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MEBEMFTIOM. 

A 

POEM, , 

IN EIGHT BOOKS. 
BY JOSEPH SWAIN, 

OF WALWOHTH, ENGLAJsD. 



Let the iiihabltatits of the rock sing ; let them shout 
from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory 
unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands. 

Isaiah xlii. 11, 12. 

FIRST AMERICAN i-ROM SECOXD LOXDON EDITIOJf. 



I 



To ivhich is prefixed Memoirs of the AiUhor'^s Life. 



«.<© 



BOSTON : 
PRINTED BY NATHANIEL WILLIS. 

4812. 




!^IEMOIRS OF THE LIFE 



OF 



MR. JOSEPH SWAIN. 



Mn. Joseph Swain-^ the author of the following poem, 
was bom at Birmingham, m the 3'ear 1761. His father 
and motlier died when he was very j'oung ; which, 
probably, was no small disadvantage, with regard to 
his education. » 

At an early age he was put apprentice to an en- 
graver, in the place of his nativity ; but he did not 
finish his apprenticeship to his master at Birmingham: 
for, coming up to London, he served the latter part of 
the time to his brother, who was of the same business. 
Relative to the reasons and circumstances of his re- 
moval to the Metropolis, there is no information. They 
w^ere, perhaps, of no material consequence ; otherv/ise, 
it is generally profitable to mark the interposition of 
Providence in eveiy step we take. 

After he came to London, lie became acquainted 
with a circle of gay and thoughtless youths, that w^ere 
extremely fond of plays, and of dancing. Being, him- 
self, natui-ally of a lively, cheerfal disposition, and pos- 



lY ME MO I lis OF 

sessing a poetical turn of mind ; his company was much 
desired, and eagerly soiig-lit ; especially after lie had 
composed some songs, poems, and plays ; for then he 
was introduced to ceriain persons of superior character, 
who encoiu^aged him in that Ime of conduct. 

In the midst of these pursuits, hovrever, it occurred 
to his mind, that he was neglecting the holy scrip- 
tures ; that he vras in the road to destruction ; and that 
his end would be miserable. He, therefore, purchased 
a Bible : his convictions of sin increased ; and his con- 
science was greatly alarmed with apprehcnsioiis of 
eternal ruin. For thus in his diary, April 2, 1782, he 
describes the state of his mind : 

' I was folio v/ed for about six months, or more, with 
dreadful ideas of eternal torments ; and, particularly, 
in the night season; fearing lest by fire, or sickness, or 
some other means, I might be removed into the endless 
fire of hell. These things, [however, were not] effec- 
tual to cause me to leave my worldly acquaintance, and 
sinful practices. For I still found that I loved ]ny sins, 
and ^^as not able to give them up ; though I feared the 
pimishment due to them. After a long succession of 
these things, together with many legal workings, and 
various attempts to make my own peace with God ; 
on the da}' above mentioned, as I was going with my 
companions in sin to a place of entertainment, I felt my 
heart gradually melted into love of beiVij ; into love of 
my oxvji bemg ; and desired that every body might be 
made happy. I then attempted to seek lo Cod by 
prayer, and was assisted with such a spirit of ::3uppli- 
cation, as, till then, I was a stranger to. T then had 



Mil. SWAIN S LIFE. V 

many passages of scripture brought to my remem- 
brance ; wherein I saw myself as a dinier, and Clirist 
as a Saviour. Yea, I saw and believed that he died for 
me, and that I should soon be with him in glory, at tlic 
right hand of God. And oh ! how did my enraptured 
soul rejoice in this great salvation at this time ! So 
gi-eat were the peace and satisfaction I enjoyed, that I 
thought I could bear to be confined in the darkest 
dungeon forever ; provided, T might always feel, what 
I then felt, of the presence of God in my soul. And so 
much did I fear getting back into the v/orld again, that 
J was ready to pray, that I might never eat, drink, or 
be employed about earthly things, any more forever. 
But ah ! the heavenly vision was not to continue al- 
ways ; as I soon found by experience. For, in about 
two houi's, from the time I went into the place [of en- 
tertainment,] a kind of coldness seized my frame ; and, 
almost on a sudden, the heavenly scene was snatched 
^wa^^ and I was left with little more than the remem- 
brance of it ; except that, in my heart, I felt an aching 
void, which I was persuaded all things else could never 
fill.' 

Thus it pleased God to bring the author of this poem 
to the knowledge of himself, without the use of any 
external means, except the blessed Bible. It is worthy 
of devout observation, that, under such remarkable un- 
favourable cij'cumstances, the holy scriptures should 
prove effectual to his conviction and conversion ; should 
make him ivise unto salvation, through faith which is in 
ChiHst Jesus ; while multitudes, who sit under the joyful 

sound, vear after year, perish m ignorance and unbelief !• 
A 2 



VI 



MEMOIRS OF 



No sooner was lie acquainted with the way of salva- 
tion, than he beg'an to warn his companions of their 
dang-er ; and told them plainly, that n they would not 
go to heaven with him, he would endeavour to g'o by 
himself. An excellent example this, for all young" chris- 
tians to follow ! Reader, has the blessed Redeemer 
made you a partaker of his great salvation ? Then, 

' Tell to g-uiity sinners round. 
What a dear Saviour jon have found ; 
Point them to his redeeming blooci, 
And say, Behold the ivay to God /' 

lie had been used to compose song's, aiul to ying" 
ihcni for his own amusement; but he could relish them 
no longer ; for subjects of a nobler nature now occu- 
pied his mind. He, therefore, began to employ himself 
in composing hymxns for his own use ; Vviiich, indeed, 
proved very beneficial to liim; as it was tlie occasion of 
bring'lng liim under an evangelical ministry, and of his 
becoming acquainted ^vlth truly religious people. Tor 
v/hen he was singing one of liis h\iims, a certain per- 
sCiH, who had been used to attend an evangel ici.l m.inis- 
try, took r.otlce of it ; and asked him, ' V/liat liynm it 
v/as r to whic'i he replied, ' It is one of m.y ov.-n.' The 
person then g-ave him an invitation to go with him to 
bpa-Fields Chapel; to wlilcli he immediately conserited. 
Accordingly, on tlie next Lord's day, they went ; but it 
is not easy to describe, either the surprise he fell, or 
the delight he enjoyed, in hearing" ti^iC same thing's- 
from tue pulpit, wliich he had so rccciitiy e:^pc.rlcnccd. 



HR. SWAIN S LIFE. 



rii 



This discourse, which was preached by Mr. Wilis, was 
the first evangelical sermon lie ever heard. On being 
asked, How he approved the sermon ? he replied, ' I 
am sure v.hat the preacher said is true ; for he has de- 
scribed my feelings better than I can myself lie felt 
such love to the people Avho were at the chapel, that 
he would have been glad to have conversed with any of 
them. For lie looked upon them all as excellent chris- 
tians, and supposed them all to l^e truly happy. 

Soon afier this, a friend took him to hear an Ar- 
minian preacher ; whose doctrine was so difiercnt from 
his convictions and feelings, that he could by no means 
approve of it. This though, apparently a trifling cir- 
cumstance, proved of great importance to him ; as it 
was the occasion, in the course of divine l^rovidercc, 
of his entering into that connexion in which lie became 
so happy and useful. For his friend conversing vrith 
him respecting the sermon ; and he giving his opinion 
upon it w^di great freedom ; the former, witji an air of 
surprise, replied ; ' Wh^^ you arc a Calvinlst P But lie, 
no'u knov.'^ing that professed christians are distinguished 
by various denominations, answered ; * I am iio Col" 
vini'ct ; I am a CJiristian.^ His friend, however, f nding 
his sentim.ents to bear that aspect, advised him to go 
and hoar Mr. Rlppon ; saying, * I think his preachi:ig 
would suit you.' Accordingly he went, and rbujid the 
ministry very much blessed to his edification. After 
heaving attended a considerable time, and formed a 
friendly acquaintance among the people ; he was de- 
sirous of being baptized, and of joining the church. In 
pursuance of wliicii, he was proposed as a candidate 



Vlll MEMOIRS OF 

for communion ; he publicly professed his faith in Je- 
sus Christ; was baptized on May 11, 1783 ; received into 
fellowship with that church ; and xveiit on his ivay rejoiciiiff. 
He was, indeed, so remarkably full of love and zeal, 
that many of his christian friends tlioug-ht he was 
ripening' fast for heaven. Once, after hearing" a sermon 
preached by I^ilr. Berridge, he said to his wife, '^ My 
dear, I do think I shall die with joy.' But, on seeing- 
her much affected, he refrained ; and said, he would 
endeavour to keep such parts of his experience to him- 
self But though, when in such delightful frames, he 
said very little respecting them ; yet his countenance 
•would shew, that his heart was overflowing with joy. 

It is vrortliy of observation, however, that though his 
own enjoyments were so great, yet he had a tender re- 
g-ard for such as were weak in faith, and harassed with 
fears ; taking" every opportunity of administering con- 
solation to persons of this cast. And, indeed, he well 
knevv^ what it was to be exercised with daikness and 
temptation ; for tliough he experienced so much joy and 
peace in belierin^, he felt much of the pla^n.ie of his oivn 
heart. 

It m.ay be justly supposed, that his being" so habitual- 
ly employed in devoutly meditating* en the infinitely 
excellent Jesus, and on his great salvation, v.'as a mean 
of his enjoying such an high degi-ee of happiness. Are 
you desirous, christian reader, of possessing" an equid 
mxcasure of spiritual peace and holy joy ? Then, fre- 
quently meditate on the exceeding" riches of grace, as 
displayed in saving* the most ungodly sinners tliat be- 
lieve in the Loi'd Jesus Christ. 



MR. SWAIN*S LIFE, 1% 

That the reader may form some notion of the various 
exercises which Mr. Swain had in his own mind, in the 
interval between his joining the church before men^ 
tioned, and his being solemnly called to the ministerial 
work ; I will produce a few extracts from his diary, 

*July 17, 1783. Bitterness of soul inexpressible. 
INIuch relief* from private prayer. Surprising deliver^ 
ance, in meditation, and ejaculation of thought to God ; 
yet more blessed in prayer. This day, the valley of 
Achor -was a door of hope to thee, O my soul ! Remem- 
ber tliis, and always cast thy burden on the Lord, who 
carethfor tJiee. The goodness and condescension of the 
heart of God, are astonishing beyond measure ; and can 
only be felt, but not expressed, by man. O, the height, 
depth, length, and breadth, of the love of God ! Who 
can measure it ? — Such deep distress, and such amaz- 
ing liberty of soul in one day, I never remember to 
have fell before ! Wait on the Lord, O, my soul ; wait 
on the Lord, and forget not all his benefits. Note, That 
it is good, it is very profitable, though it be never so 
bitter, to have one's wounds probed to the quick. 

Aug. 6. Remember, O my soul, this day ; for it was 
a day much to be remembered, indeed ! In the morning", 
before breakfast, heavy and misettled in prayer, After 
breakfiist, being enabled to vv restle in prayer for de- 
liverance, found the Lord with me of ji truth, Yea, \ 
was enabled to sing, ivith mdody in jny heart, to the 
Lord ; and to rejoice in the strength of my Redeemer, 
and the extensive riclies of his free gi*ace, with juy un- 
Hpeakablc and full of glory. ^lucli solid pleasure and 
^satisfaction, in reflection and meditation, on deatli and 



X MEMOIRS OIF 

g-lory ; and, I hope, strong* desires to have my own will 
swallowed up entirely in the Lord's ; and to be made 
happy only in the way of holiness. 

^ Evening", Heard an excellent discourse from Mr. 

M , on, JVeither give place to the devil. Fii*st, as a 

seducer; in a way of curiosity, idleness, intemperance, 
presumption, &c. and as an accicser of the brethren. 
Felt much of the power of the word, and was strongly 
supported through this evening*. Abundantly blessed 
in private, and upon the whole, strengthened ivith 
strength in niy sonl. I would set my seal to it here, that 
God is faithful to them that trust in him. This has 
been to me, of a truth, a day of heaven upon earth. 

' Aug'. 11. A dull, uncomfortable day, till evening*. 
At prayer-meeting, perplexed in mind, for a time. Then 
said to my soul, / ivill wait for him, though he tari^ ; 
yea, though he slay me, yet tvill Itmist in him, I waited 
not in vam ; for it was but a little, and I found that he 
was nigh at hand, though I knew it not. A good even- 
ing at home. 

Aug. 25. Prayer-meeting, exceedingly harassed, by 
the enemy of souls having found his way into my heart, 
by the door of pride ; which very much distressed me, 
till near the conclusion ; Vv^hen the Lord was pleased to 
liear my supplication, and give me the victory, in some 
measure, and set my mind at gracious liberty for that 
evening. Not unlo me, but to him be the praise ! 

September. Monday, and the rest of tlie week, had 
many mercies to be thankful for. Sometimes, expe- 
rienced the sweet manifestation of the Lord's presence ; 
and, ivmetimgs, tlie weakness, and wickedness of my 



MR# swain's life. Xl 



o\?Ti iieart. Yet, I desire to be thankful, I hope grace 
still prevails ; yea, and I trust, notwithstanding* sin, and 
a bad heart, I shall, at last, be 7nore than conqueror^ 
through him that hath loxyed me, and given himself for 
me. To him be glory, forever, and ever ! 

* October. Frida}^, a good day. Felt some gratitude 
of heart, for past, and present experience, of temporal 
and spiritual mercies. Evening. A very exceeding 
sweet and powerful manifestation to my soul, in private. 
Having this good word for my encouragement ; JResist 
the devil and he ivill fiee from you. Draiv nigh to God, 
and he ivill draw nigh to you. I think, if ever I tasted 
solid satisfaction of soul in God, it was at this time ; al- 
most as full as an earthern vessel could hold, I scarce 
knew how to leave the throne of grace. I was con- 
strained to cry out, What shall I vender unto the Lord for 
all his betwfit& ! And here, I am sure, I did desire to take 
the cup of salvation, and, with redoubled ardour, to call 
on the name of tlie Lord. Yea, it was my desire to com- 
mit soul, body, spirit, with all that appertains there- 
unto, into tl^ hands of my faithful God and Father, fop 
time, and for eternity. My assurance of the eternal en- 
jo}'ment of Jesus, my Redeemer, in heaven, with all the 
redeemed, was almost, 1 think, as clear as though I 
had seen the celestial gate stand open, and all the 
glorified spirits waiting to receive, and welcome me 
home to my Father's house. 

'November. Thursday and Friday. Much liberty,, 
and exceeding gi-eat delight, in private duties, ex- 
traordinary, as well as ordinary. Many sweet hours of 
meditation, and CQiitemplation, on my heavenly home. 



xii ivrEMoiUs OF 

Full, sweet, and sensible assurance of my interest in 
Chi'ist, in singing", and ejaculatory prayer ; and, some- 
times, j'o^ unspeakable and full of glory. These were, in- 
deed, days of heaven upon earth. Glory and praise to 
the riches of my Lord's free grace, by which alone I am 
what I am ! 

* Tuesday. For the most part, a lively, good day ; 
and, upon the Vvdiole, a good evening. But, alas ! when 
i look back and see, how full of imperfections, wander- 
ing thoughts, and pride, my best duties at all times 
are ; I have need still to cry out, with fresh ardour ; 
Wash ?nc thoroughly from my sins, and cleanse me from all 
mine ihiquitieSf in his precious blood ; for / am vile, and 
there is no uprightness in me ! 

' Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, were days of 
comparative desertion. Felt much stupidity of mind ; 
and yet was very uneasy that it was so. But, as the 
curse, causeless, shall not come ; so, I believe, the rod, 
causeless, doth not come ; and, if I am not mistaken, 
spiritual pride, and its attendants, were, in great 
measure, the cause of the Lord's hiding his face from 
me at this time, after enjoying so much of his presence, 

' December. A sweet and lively da}^ in smging, medi- 
tation, &c. especially in the morning. Yery much 
tcm.pted, and distressed at prayer-meeting, from the 
pride and ungovernable emotions of my wicked heart - 
Something more set at liberty at home.' 

At another time he writes thus : ' Though I have 
felt much of the evil of my own heart, and sin, and 
have been the subject of many stupid frames of mind, 
this last month of May ; yet have I enjoyed many pre- 



mu. swain's life. xiii 

clous seasons, in the use of the jneans of grace. Sorne- 
times my soul has been almost overpovrerecl with a 
sense of the amazing' love, and condescension of God 
my Saviour, to Trs.e the unworthiesi of iiis creatures.' 

Thi's it appears, that, in the midst of his hig-h en- 
joyments of the lovei of God, he humbly lay at the foot- 
stool of sovereign mercy. Deeply sensible of his o^v^^ 
depravity and guilt, tie admired the riches of divhie 
grace, as displayed in the salvaiion of the most un- 
worthy, through the complete work of Jesus Christ. 
He seems never to have possessed high thoughts of 
himself; much less to have imagined, that he had at- 
tained to perfect, personal holiness. On the contrary, 
he ever speaks of himself, as a poor, polluted creature ; 
and of his happiness, as all arising fiom sovereign 
tnercy, revealed in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 

In the beginning of the year 1784, he set up a re- 
ligious meeting at his own house, for prayer, and for 
the mutual communication of cliristian experience. 
The opportunities thence ai-ising were edifying to many ; 
who remember, with pleasure, those useful and solemn 
seasons. He likewise, belonged to a society, meeting 
in Castle-street, Leicester-fields ; in which, one and 
another of its members used to speak from passages of 
scripture ; where his endeavours to explain the word 
of God, were very acceptable to those who, from time 
to time, attended. 

At length, the church to wliich he belonged, sup- 
posing him to possess talents for the public ministry, 
tried his gifts ; approved of them ; and gave him a 
solemn call to preach the gospel ; which call was at- 



Xit Memoirs of 

tended with an extraordinary prayer-meeting on lii^ 
account, in the month of June, 1791. 

He was invited to preach at Walwortli on the Thurs- 
day evening following' ; and, after having" ]Treached the 
ThiU'sday-evening lecture there for some time, he re- 
ceived an invitation to dispense tiie trutli among* thein 
on Lord's days. Complying with tliose invitations, his 
faithful and affectionate lahours vvere abundantly owned 
of God ; for, in a little time, he had many seals to his 
ministry. 

In the month of December following", a cliurch wa;? 
formed, consisting of twenty-seven members ; v/Iio, ])e^ 
ing gathered under his care, and perceiving tlicir num- 
ber to increase rapidly, were anxious to have jiim or- 
dained over them, as their pastor. In pursuance of 
which unanimous desire, tliey gave him a call to tlic 
pastoi'^l office, which he accepted ; and was, on Feb. 8, 
1792, solemnly ordained to the otersiglit of them, in 
the Lord. In this new relation he gave himself up to 
the service of Christ, with all his heart ; and God was 
with him ; for many believed, and ivere turned to tJir- 
Lord. 

The congregation continuing to increase, they soon 
found it necessaiy to erect galleries in their meeting- 
house, in order to accommodate the people. But, his 
public labours met with so mucli approbation, that, not 
long after, it appeared necessary, again to enlarge the 
place. Nay, so increasingly acceptable was his minis- 
try, and so crowded was the meeting-house, that it vra* 
determined to enlarge it the third time ; and a very 
F^f ai subscription was made, for Ihat piu'pose, a little 



MR. SWAIN S LIFE. XV 

before his last illness cominenced.* Had this desig-n 
heen accomplised, and 'had Providence continued his 
usefulness a few 3'ears longer ; he might, probably, 
have had one of the largest congregations in tlie Bap- 
tist denomination. But Infinite Wisdom saw lit to or- 
der it otherwise. That meeting-house, however, has 
been honoured as the spiritual bii-th-place of many poor 
sinners ; various of \\'hom were notoriously proiiigale 
imd impious. 

But, previous to the formation of the church of which 
3Ir. Swain was afterward the pastor ; various persons 
of respectable christian characters, vvell acquainted 
with lijs piety and his talents, having waited with 
anxiety for his being called to the ministry, and hav- 
ing warm expectations of seeing him useful in the 
church of Christ ; invited him to preach a lecture, ou 
Lord's day evenings, and 0:1 Wednesday evenings, at 
Mr. Timothy Thoinas's meeting-house, near* Devon- 
phh'e-square ; with which invitation he complied, and 
liis labours in those lectures were very mucli owned of 
the l^rd. Tkese lectures he used to consider as a nur- 
sery for hi3 church at V/alworth ; and so he constantly 

* »? cgnalderable part of this subscription ivas after- 
xvurds vohintaHly given to the iL'idovj cmcl cJdldren of our 
deceased brother. A'cizf, siich -was the generosity of indi- 
•iidiials on this occasion, that some of them doubled their 
subscription ; and JHrs. Sivcdn embraces this opportunitv^ 
ff returning her grateful acknoivledgments to her tmmerons 
friendfi, for the kindness and liberalilrj sher^n to hi^rself^ 
Qjid to hjrfuuiihf. 



SVl MEMOIRS OF 

found them to be. For many, when professing* theii^ 
faith, and relating- their experience before the church, 
declared, that they received their first serious impresr 
sions under them, 

Mr. Swain used constantly to preach three times on 
p. Lord's day,, and two lectures in the week ; besides 
occasional cervices, in which he was always ready to 
engage, whenever an opportunity offered, of doing good 
to the souls of his fc-llow sinners. Were all the evan* 
gelical ministers in London, as ready to visit and assist, 
by occasional services, the smaller congregations ; they 
?night, it is probable, be of considerable use in pro- 
moting tlie cause of Christ, in the neighbourhood of 
the Metropolis. 

Though Mr. Swain had an infirm constitution, and 
frequently laboured under much bodily weakness ; yet 
he could by no means be persuaded to omit any part of 
his work. He was, however, under all his infirmities 
and mdispositions, gi'eatiy favoured, in various respects; 
by a gracious Providence. For he appeared to enjoy 
an habitually cheerful disposiiion ; generally, in his 
public services, he had liberty of expression ; and a 
comfortable evidence of his great Master's presence, in 
publishmg the glad tidings to perishing sinners. So 
zealous was he m his labours, that, when he returned 
home after preaching three times, he has occasionally 
exclaimed ; ' O, this is s^\•eet work ! If my strength 
would hold out, I should like to preach 2i fourth time.' 

He had, indeed, abundant encouragement in his 
work ; for, in the short space of four years, his church, 
which at first consisted of no more than twenty-seven 



MR. SWAIN S LIFE. XVil 

tDembers, r.monnted to upwards of two hundred. For 
s-uch a number^ under one minister, to be gathered mta 
a church state, to walk tog-ether in the order and ordi- 
nances of the gospel, is rarely knov/n, in so small a 
space of time. 

But, notwithstanding he was favoured with so m.uch 
of tlie Loi-d's presence in his public labours, and was 
made so eminently useful ; yet he was frequently exer-* 
cised, immediately previous to his entering the pulpit, 
with great discouragement, arising from a sense of the 
Tsts.t importance of the work ; and was often exceed- 
>i\gly cast down by a strong conviction of his own in- 
sufficiency. Nor could he ever, with pleasure, engage 
m preaching, except his own heart was previously af- 
fsected with liis subject. This he has, at various times, 
cxpresvsed to the writer of these memoirs, when con- 
versing' on the importance of the ministerial work. He 
iTsed to sav, ' tiiat lie loved alwavs to taste Jus subject 
lirst himself, and to get his lieart warmed with it, be- 
fore he delivered it to the people.' This may be justly 
considered as a mean, under God, of his ministerial 
^'sefvilness. But, that the reader may see how deeply 
he was ailfected with a sense of the importance of his 
rrork, a f^w more extracts from liis diary shall be pro- 
duped. 

Saturday, Jane 27, 1795. Repeatedly inteiTupted in 
the morning. Poorly, and d\ill, in tlie former part of 
the day. But the Lord has gi^aclously granted me some 
«ieg7-ee of calm hoT)e in him this evening. 1 feel [that] 
1 need a revival of the work of grace to abide with -me, 
O, tbot tlie Lord may be pleased to grant it ! I have- 
2 



XVIU MEMOIRS OF 

suffered much, of late, through several roots of bitter- 
ness springing" up in the church ; but the Lord has 
gi-aciously appeared for us, and removed my fears, on 
that account, in a measure. T have also been much err- 
ercised of late, for fear I should get at a distance from 
God ; and so be the means of half starving the f;ock. 
O, what solemn vrork, is the work of the ministry ! 
Fresh discoveries of my own depravity and iniirmitiesj^ 
sometimes almost shake my hopes to the root. Yet \ 
must say, if the work of Christ in his vineyard, and the 
enjoyment of his salvation, are not my chief concern, I 
know not what is. 

The next day, being Lord's day, Jurie 28, he wrote 
as follows : ' I have several times, lately, had my hiten- 
tion thwarted, as to the subjects I have proposed ta 
preach from ; and, as to order, and place. This even- 
ing, was much tried, and rather alarnied in my o^vn 
mind, in secret ; because I could not get my subject so. 
deeply impressed upon my mind as I could desire. But 
it constrained me to be earnest in prayer for the Lord's 
help, and he enlarged my heart, and my steps under 
me ; so that I was obliged to leave the latter part of 
my subject till next Lord's day. I think I have tast- 
ed more bitter herbs lately than usual ; bait I have 
also enjoyed some sweet moments in hoping- to reap in 
due season. I desire to begin afresh to learn three 
things, self-denial^ patience in ministerial labours, and 
siveetiisss of temper. Lord, teach m.e all these ! 

Satui*day, July 18, 1795. After mvch ccnfict^ as 
rsuAt, I begin to entertain some sv/eet hope of a good 
day, to-morrov/. Lord, gi*ant it for Christ's sake ! 



MR. SWAIN S LIFE. XlX 

* Wednesday, 22. Surely, I may say, I cried to the 
Lord, and he heard me. I enjoyed, throug'h three public 
exercises, last Lord's da}^, so encourag-ing" a conscious- 
ness of the divine presence in my own soul, and sucli a 
lively hope of the divine blessing- attending- the word to 
others ; as far exceeded what I liave felt for some time. 
Lord, suffer me not to be so unbelieving- another time ; 
but let my hoxii abide in strength, andv the arras of my 
ba-ids be made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of 
Jacnb, for Clirist's sake ! Amen.' 

Thus did this faithful servant of the Lord, study to 
approve himself accepted mito God; a -workman that need- 
ed not to be ashctiired ; rightly dividing the ivord of truth. 
Nor was he contented with barely delivering- soimd 
doctrinal truths ; but he was anxiously de&irous of see- 
ing* the blessed effects of those truths, in the conversion 
of sinners, and in the establishment of saints. He was 
not contcnte^l with liaving' done his duty, in the capac- 
ity of a public preaclier ; but, with dilig-cnee and de- 
lig'ht, he went from house to house, instructing and 
encouraging- his people; performing among- them the 
«bity of a faitlvful pastor; for which branch of his work, 
he was endued with a singular talent. It has been boih 
ins-tructive and encouraging', to the compiler of these 
memoirs, when with him in visiting- some of his people ; 
to hear how he exhorted, and comforted, and charged 
eveiy one of theni, as a father doth his children ; that they 
would -uralh -worthy of God, 7vho hcid ccdied them to hi.9 
lingdfym and glonj. INIay tlie Lord raise up and send 
rt>rth many more such pastors, to supply the destitute 
cIiTTiThes ! 



XX MEMOIRS OF 

With regard to his abilities, as an autlior, let his 
publications testily. His Waltcorth Humus, and es- 
pecially this Poem^ prove, that he possessed a poeticiil 
talent ; and, which is unspeakably better, they indicate, 
that his heart and streng-th were engaged in the ser- 
vice of his blessed Redeemer. His Experlviental Essay ^.^ 
in Prose and Verse, are worthy of a care fid pcriisaL 
The last piece' he published was, A Pocket Compaaicu 
for the Church imder his care. 

Previous to his last illness, which was comparatively 
short, but very aflTccting (being, for a considerable part 
of the time, under the power of a strong delirium), his 
health had been, for a course of time, gradually de- 
clining. But, with reference to that afflictive and 
solemn scene, which terminated in the removal of this 
excellent and useful man ; a few paragraplis from his 
funeral sermoii, by Mr. Upton, shall be laid before the 
reader. 

^ As to the first part of Mr. Sv\'ain's affliction,' says 
]\Jr. Upton, ' both he and his friends were equally u)i- 
apprehensive of his life being in danger. The fr;ime of 
his mind seemed serene and comfortable. He appear- 
ed much concerned about his church, with regr.rd to 
the first Lord's day of his confinement, it being the re* 
turning season for breaking of bread ; and still more 
on account of those persons who were to have been re- 
ceived into communion on that day. 

* Two of Dr. Watts' sermons were read to him ; arid 
he expressed great })leasure m hearing them. He said 
*' the}' had been the means of his enjojdng some near- 
riess to God in praver.*' In conversation with rhri.^tiaT> 



MR. swain's life, xxi 

fi-iends, he frequently said, " he hoped it v/as a sancti- 
fied afiiiction." 

' On Thursday (a week before his death,) he said, 
*• he had been lamenting that he could not read the 
word of God, because of his great weakness :'* but he 
recollected that he could read, as it were, without the 
book ; and repeated the fourteenth chapter of John, 
and the fifty -fifth of Isaiah, with some other passages of 
tlie sacred scriptures. He then said, " Now I can give 
advice to afflicted persons, when I visit them, to do the 
same." He added, " If persons were to accustom thcm«- 
selves to commit things to memory, it would be of 
gi*eat advantage ; particidarly to those who complain 
that their recollection is bad." 

* He was grieved to hear, that a member, on the 
Lord's day before, had absented himself, in conse- 
quence of his not being able to preach ; sent his love 
to the church, by one of the deacons ; and begged that, 
if tliey wished not to grieve him, but to testify their 
love to him in his affliction, [they would] keep close 
to each other in the ways of God. 

* This evening he had a violent fit, which left him 
apparently senseless for some hours. But v/hen he 
came to himself, he conversed in a very peculiar man- 
ner, as though he had been tuking a retrospective view 
of his whole life. Upon Mrs. Swain entering the room, 
he said, " O, my dear ! I have been oflering some pe- 
titions to God for you ; which I am siu-e will be answer- 
ed — I san sure they will be answered." 

, * On the Saturday njght following, for about three 
hours, he was fiivoured vvith the full use of his reason^ 



XXU MEMOIRS OF 

and conversed as a dying man. He said to Mrs. Swain, 
*' O, my dear, I perceive I have been under a mistake ; 
I thought I was getting" better, but I now feel I am 
very bad. I have been seeking the Lord about my case, 
and can get no other answer but this, Set thine hoiise in 
order-^or thou shah die and not live.'''* On seeing her 
much affected, he said, " O, my dear ! don't grieve ; 
the Lord can. make you an happy widow\ You were 
happy in the Lord, before you knew me ; and he can 
make you happy when I am gone." He reminded her 
^Iso of a christian friend, who had been greatly sup- 
ported and comforted, under the loss of a valuable hus- 
band. He then exclaimed : " O, my dear Redeemer ! 
am I coming to thee so soon ? Is my work done ? ■ It 
is just fourteen years since I first knew thee, Lord ! If 
it were thy will, I should rejoice to labour a little lon- 
ger with the dear people : yet not my will, but thine 
be done !" 

* He then took his Wife by the hand, and prayed very 
fervently for her, and for the dear Children ; also for 
his church at Walworth, and on behalf of those who 
attended his lecture near Devonshire-square. After 
wliich he conversed about temporal concerns j and then 
returned to the solemn subject of death. He said— 
*' I am not afraid to die ; I have not tlie shadov/ of a 
doubt : I know that I shall receive my crovv-n. Yet I 
should be glad to be engaged in my Lord's work a 
little longer, if it \vere his will." He then exhorted 
those around him to aim at living near to God, and to 
wrestle with him in prayer, for the fulfilment of h;,s 
gracious promisea. 



MR, swAi^*s tit-K. xxiii 

* On the Lord's day moniing he was much in prayer 
for the church • and proceeded as regularly as though 
he had been m public. The minister, who was to sup- 
ply his place at Walworth that morning-, called to see 
him, and engaged in prayer with him. But he could 
not attend long. The delirium came on so violently, 
that he was not able to converse many minutes toge- 
tlier ; but often seemed to be engaged in ejaculatory 
prayer.' 

What a mercy it was, that before the fatal disease 
commenced, lie kiiexu in 7vho7n he had believed ; and that 
he had committed his immortal all into the hands of 
Jesus Christ ! Happy, for the real christian, that nei- 
ther bodily disease, nor mental derangement ; that no 
enemy, nor any affliction : is able to separate liim from 
the Jove of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord ! 

After beii^^* greath^ afflicted for twelve or fourteen 
days he v/as dismissed from all his cares and labours ; 
from all temporal sufferings and sorrows ; and, we 
doubt not, was received into the bosom oret<5rnal bliss, 
on April 14, 1796 ; and in the thirty-sixth year of Ills 
age. Then, we have a pleasing persuasion, he entered 
into the fulness of that felicity, which, in so many of 
his Walworth Hymns, he has well described ; and, es- 
pecially, in hymn the hundred and sixth, v.hich reads 
as follows : 

" Oh, how the thought that I shall know 
Ti^e ?»Ian that suffer d here below, 
To manifest his flivour, 
F«r n^e, and those whom most I love ; 



I 



Or here, or with himself above. 
Does my delighted passions mov^ 
At that sweet word, forerer. 

Forever to behold him shine. 
For evermore to call him mine, 
And see him still before me ! 
Forever on his face to gaze. 
And meet his fall assembled rays, 
While all the Father he displays 
To all the saints in glory ! 

Not all things else are half so dear^ 

As his delightful presence here, 

What must it be in heav'n ! 

'Tis heav'n on earth to hear him say. 

As now I journey, da}^ by day, 

* Poor sinner, cast tby fears away. 

Thy sins are all forgiv'n.' 

But how must his celestial voice 
Make my enraptur'd heart rejoice. 
When I, in glor}', hear him ; 
While I, before the heav'nly gate, 
For everlasting entrance wait, 
And Jesus, on his throne of state, 
Invites me to come near him ! 

Come in, thou blessed, sit by me. 
With my own life, I I'ansom'd thee .: 



MR. SWAIN S LIFE. X%V 

Come taste my perfect favour ; 
Come in, thou happy spirit come. 
Thou now shalt dwell with me at home ; 
Ye blissful mansions, make him room. 
For he must stay forever. 

When Jesus thus invites me in. 
How will the heavenly hosts begin 
To o^\^l their new relation ? 
Come in ! come in ! the blissful sound. 
From every tongue will echo round. 
Till all the crystal walls resound 
With joy, for my salvation." 

On Friday, April 22, his remains were deposited in 
Bunh ill-fields' burying-ground ; and his funeral was at- 
tended by some thousands . of people ; multitudes of 
whom were deeply affected to think that they should 
see his face no more. Abraham Booth delivered the ad^ 
dress at the interment ; and, on the following Lord's 
day, two fmieral sermons were preached for him. The 
former, in the afternoon, on the mysterious conduct of 
divine providence, from John xiii. 7 ; by Dr. Rippon, 
The latter, in the evening, on the sorrowful separation 
of the faithful pastor from his affectionate flock, from 
Acts XX. 36, 37, 38 ; by James Upton ; and both of 
them to very crowded congregations. 

Though our dear, deceased friend was cut off in the 

midst of his days, and in the midst of his usefulness -^ 

yet it will be easy to perceive, by the following extract 

from his diary, and by a few lines af poetry which he 
C 

I 



XXVl MEMOIRS OF 

composed within the last twelve months of iiis life ; 
tliat he was often thinking of his departure, arid long- 
incf to be with Jesus. Several members of his own 
church being dangerously ill, and various useful minis- 
ters of the gospel being lately deceased, he wrote as 
follows : 

' 1795, This has been a week of solemn work in 
visiting the dying. Three brethren are probably near 
eternity. Lord, enable me to profit myself and others, 
by their experience ; and uphold them in sickness and 
death ! Mr. Romaine, and Mr. Clark of Exeter, are also 
lately fallen asleep. All these voices call to me^ sayingji 
Be [thou] also ready ! and,' yet, what a cleaving to 
earth and earthly things do I find still ! 

* October 31. Mr. Benlley, of Camberwell, is also 
fallen asleep in Jesus. I hear that he died very happy. 
Lord, gi-ant that I m.^y live the life, and die the death of 
the rig-hieous I A little while ago. Dr. Stennett died ; 
and since their decease, the aged Mr. Beddomc de* 
parted ; besides many other gospel ministers, this last 
summer. 

' Heav'n draws my spirit tovvVds its blissful shore. 
And bids my heart to things eternal soar ; 
Earth holds my senses, by a thousand strings, ^ 
And, when my thoughts would mount, contracts their 

wings. 
From wliat strange cause springs this peculiar strife ? 
I long to die, yet still am fond of life : 
I bless the Lord who lends me vital breath ; 
Yet lexxp for joy, at thought of certain deatli \ 



MR. SV/AIN S LIFE. XXVU 

When 1 look round, how many objects clear. 

Fix on my eye, and gain upon my ear ; 

Yea, claim their various stations in my heart, 

'Kov quit then* claim till flesh and spirit part. 

At home, what tender cares and sweets combine. 

By means of objects this fond heart calls mine ! 

Abroad, how^ pleasant is the frequent sight, 

Of social bliss among the sons of light ; 

Where many hearts with mutual kindness glow. 

Kindled by love divine— 'tis heav'n below. 

Yet, tlioug}i 'tis heav'n's sweet dawn, it helps to bind 

To present things, the captivated mind : 

And he that's one in hcai-t with Zion here. 

In view of he;iv'n may drop a parting tear. 

But when the Lord himself, with graciouf^ pov/'r. 

Displays his glories in some favQur'd Iiour ; 

W'hen love appears supreme u.pcjn the throne ; 

And points the soul to its imqiortal crown ; i 

Loose fly the strings v.hich held Iris licart to earth, 

Up spri'ig" the passions of celestii>l birth ; 

And one bright gianc'e of vTcsus makes him sav, 

Fvi; >^o:\-i^, ox i:ahth — ix iieav'.v, I've xoxe ]iUT Tiir.i: I' 

Hence it appears, tliat our deceased brother, lilve tlie 
apostle of old, was in a strai^-Jit bet-^veen txuo ; hci'ving a 
desire to depart^ cmd to be xvith Christ, -which is far bet- 
ter • yet Wiillng to al)ide in tlie flesh, for the benefit of 
his family, and of Ids church. 

Mi\ Swain, r.s an husband and a fatlier, was tenderl\ 
afrectionate. As a master, wliile engaged in secuhu^ 
busmess, esteemed and loved by those tliat vrere cniv 



XXVni MEMOIRS OF 

ployed under him. As a friend, sincere in his profes- 
sions of attachment. With the afflicted, he greatly 
sympathised ; and to the distressed poor, he manifested 
a liberal turn of heart. As a christian, he rejoiced in 
the doctrines of sovereign gi'ace, and revered the au- 
thority of divine precepts. Affable, without loquacity ; 
and cheerful, without levity ; he was habitually dis- 
posed for serious and edifying conversation. Zealous 
for domestic religion, he was regular, without being 
formal, in the practice of it. As a pastor, he was la- 
borious and watchful, faithful and affectionate. In the 
execution of his pastoral office, he discovered benovo- 
lence, gentleness, and meekness ; yet without timidity ; 
for, as occasion required, he was firm, and steady to 
Jiis principles. He was a strenuous advocate for what 
he considered as the revealed will of his Lord, wheth- 
er it respected doctrines, or precepts ; positive institu- 
tions, or the primitive order of christian churches. 
But while steady to his own convictions, he cordially 
esteemed all those, of every denomination, whom he 
considered as loving our Lord Jesus Clirist in sincerity. 
A constant sense of his own imperfections rendered 
him humble, and his chief pleasure was in doing good. 
Still further to confirm and illustrate various par- 
ticulars in the preceding memoirs, I shall conclude by 
subjoining a copy of verses which Mr. Swain composed 
but a few months before his decease ; and to which h« 
g'ave the following title : 



MR. swain's life. xxix 



BIR3riXG- 

HAM ; COXTAl^'ING -AN ACCOUNT OF SOME BE3IARKABLE 
CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH ONCE ATTENDED THE CONVERSION 
OF A SINNER. 

Dear brother in Christ, though I see not your face. 

Your name is engTav'd on my heart ; 
And oft, with delight, I contemplate the place. 

Where, soon, we shall meet, not to part. 

But, oh ! to that grace which has sav'd us from hell. 

What debtors we liave been, and are ! 
W^e must be content, if the whole we would tell. 

To wait till we both arrive there. 

Yet, though I am conscious the heights of God's love. 

And depths of his wisdom and grace. 
Will never be known, till we sing tliem above ; 

I cannot but aim at his praise. 

Though high is the theme, and the ransom'd in heav'n, 

To reach it, exert all their skill ; 
For one to be silent, whose sins are forgiv'n. 

Is, surely, more difficult still. 

Look back, then, my soul, and, b}^ mercy constrain'd, 

Declare what thy Saviom- has done ; 
When f rst over Satan and sin he obtain'd 

That conquest which prov'd thee his own. 

A slave to the passions which fetter mankind. 

And mark them as servants of sin ; 
And yet to self-righteousness strongly inclin'd, 

My heart was botJi proud and unclean. 
C 2 



XXX MEMOIRS OF 

To gratif)^ self, and gain human applause, 

I studied, and strove, night and day ; 
And heav^n-bestow'd talents, in pleasure's vain cause. 

Exerted my pow'rs to display. 

But thoughts of eternity oft would intrude, 
And conscience on j udgment would muse ; 

* How must I, of God, with abhorrence be view'd, 
While thus all his gifts I abuse !' 

Till secret alarms, in the season of sleep, 

Distur'd, and prevented my rest ; 
By pointing my fears to the bottomless deep. 

My envy, to seats of the blest. 

'Twas then with reluctance, I purchased the book 
Where God's righteous will is reveal'd ; 

Intending but seldom withm it to look. 
My eyes to its worth being seal'd. 

wanted to flee from the danger of hell. 

Yet sinful enjoyments retain ; 
And foolishly thought if I sometimes did well, 

I safely might swerve iiovj and then. 

But while I was seeking, on his holy day, 

(Behold the long suff'ring of a God !) 
Unhallow'd delight in perusing a play. 

The Bible my purpose withstood. 

' God's word, thus neglected, will one day appear 

A witness against thee,' it said ; 
'Tvras whisper'd to conscience, and nll'd me witli ftar 

When, l:renibjing, T open'd a,nd read : 



MR. SWAIN S LIFE. XXXI 

* Cut off that right hand, and pluck out that right eye^ 

And sell not thy soul for thy sin ; 
'Tis better, though maim'd, from destruction to fly. 
Than whole, in thy lusts, to fall in.' 

This pierc'd through my soul, like a two edged sword. 

And laid my heart open to view ; 
I felt both the truth, and the power of the word : 
' My sins were intended, I knew. 

Thenceforward a struggle commenc'd in my mind, 

^T^'i-sX present SLrvdfivtvre concerns ; 
But still I, in secret, to present inclin'd ; 

While thus I reflected, by turns : 

* Suppose, all through life, I in luxury roll. 

And swin m delights to the grave ; 
And lose, for my pleasures, the life of my soul. 
What recompence then shall I have ? 

Yet what is my life worth to me, if I part 

Witli all my companions in mirth ?' 
Friends, prospects, amusements, all clung round my 
heart, 

And seem'd to demand it for earth. 

Too oft, from reflection, I hasted away. 
To lose my sad thoughts in a crowed ; 

Or drown them m mirth, at a ball or a playj 
But conscience, ev'n there, would intrude. 

I trembled to think of those all-seeing eyes^ 
That watchxl me through all my career; 

And tliought on the daj^ when the dead must sxhe, 
WitSi horror, akin to despair. 



XXXll MEMOIRS OF 

That Word, which bold infidels dare to dispute. 

Which God did in mercy inspire; 
I found, like an ax which is laid to the root. 

To cut down a tree for the fire. 

The precepts, demanding obedience, I read, 
O'erwhelm'd with confusion and shame ; 

The threat'nings, like thunder, roll'd over my head. 
And darted, like lightnings, their flame. 

But, neither the danger of hell I was in, 

Kor dread of displeasui'e divine, 
Could turn from the love, or the practice of sin, 

An heart so rebellious as mine. 

Too often I vow'd, if the Lord would forgive 

My many iniquities past. 
How holy and just I, in future, would live. 

And merit his favour at last. 

But vows, when my passions recover'd^their fire, 
Like Samson's green withs, fi-om his hands. 

Gave place to the strength of unholy desire. 
And prov'd ineffectual bands. 

Till INFINITE MERCY, from Calvary flew. 

And whisper'd, in accents divine, 
• The Pow'r that first made thee must form thee anew. 

Or glory can never be thine. 

Thy thoughts are polluted, thy heart is deprav'd, 

Thy soul is all leprous with sin; 
Thy passions and pow'rs are by Satan enslav'd. 

Thy conscience itself is unclean. 



MR. swain's life. xxxiii 



No sinner, except he is born from above, 

Can ever in heaven reside; 
Or meet the pure eyes of his Maker, with love. 

Or in his bright presence abide.' 

Scarce had 1 objected, 'How can this thing he? 

When Mercy replied, with a smile. 
The thing that's impossible, mortal with thee, 

Jehovah can work when he will.' 

Tliat moment, a spark of celestial desire 
Was kindled, and flam'd in my breast; 

I wrestled with God, and began to aspire 
To hope, I should enter his I'est. 

Amaz'd at myself, that I dar'd be so bold. 

To plead for salvation with God : 
I wonder'd still more, on the cross, to behold. 

My pardon and peace seal'd with blood. 

Myself and my Saviour, I saw with new eyes ; 

My Bible I read by new light; 
New passions within me, I felt with surprise. 

And God was my only delight. 

His ^glorious perfections with pleasui-e I saw. 
Where justice and mercy combin'd ; 

His grace, in the gospel — his truth in the law. 
Like sun-beams, shone forth on my mind. 

With holy complacence, and rapture divine, 

I felt his omnipotent love ; 
As God all-sufficient, I knew he was mine* 

My portion below, and above. 



) 



XXXIV MEMOIRS OP 

What pleasures I tasted in that sacred hour, 

I never on earth can express ; 
When Christ was reveal'd to my conscience with po\v'r> 

And form'd, in my heart, by his grace 

The love, 9-nd the guilt, of transgression, at oncc^ 

Expir'd, when my Surety was seen ; 
The service of sin I resolv'd to renounce. 

The service of God to begin. 

For wisdom and strength I lookM up to my Lord, 

To help me to walk in his light ; 
And lie, by his Spirit, explami.r.g' his word, 

Dn-ected my footsteps aright. 

Ko sweet silver trumpet saluted my cars. 

With tidings of mercy from heav'n : 
Ko voice of persuasion dissolved me in tears. 

Or told me how sins wei'e forgiv'n. 

But all was as silent as springing of flow'rs, 

Oi light, while it shines from above ; 
WJien mercy descended, like soft, summer show'rs,. 

And melted my heart into love. 

Ahuighty the voice was, yet perfectly still. 
Which first made nie live, and be whole ; 

Kev\'-n:^oulding my passions, persuading my vv'ill ; 
DiftUsing new life through my soul. 

So great v'as the change I experienc'd within, 

I scarce could believe it was true ; 
Such love to niy God, and such hatre4 to sin^ 

^ly soul, till that hour, never knew. 



kR. swain's tl^E. XXXV 

1 thoug-hl it was ^lory commencing below. 

Yea, heaven in perfection on earth ; 
When first in my bosom, I felt the pure glow 

Of life, from an heavenly birth. 

As love to the heart, and as light to the eyes. 

So pleasant to me was the word. 
Which liird me with calm and delightful surprize, 

By pointing my thoughts to the Lord. 

The Spirit of Jesus reveal'd him to me. 

The gift of unchangeable love ; 
And taught me, in him, as my surety, to see 

My title to mansions above. 

Now near fourteen years I have liv'd on his grace. 

And still to his word find him true; 
And oft, as I gain a fresh glimpse of his face. 

My strength, in his ways, I renew. 

His frown, more than death, or destruction, I dread ; 

His smile, from all care sets me free : 
His mercy, full orb'd, when it shines on my head. 

Is glory's bright morning to me. 

And, soon, when my work in his Vineyard is done, 

I liope to behold him above ; 
To sit with my Lord on his glorious high throne. 

And taste all the fruits of his love. 

To Him that is Holy, and Righteous, aftd True, 

The Man who is equal with God ! 
To Him all the glory forever is due, 

Wliich flows from rebemption by Bi.oaj>' 



xrxvi MEMOIRS oFj &e. 

Oh help me, detir brotlicr, to shout forth his praise, 

And sound his salviv\ion aioiid ; 
For nothing but sovereign, omnipotent grace. 



Could bring su<:h a rebel lo God! 



JOSEPH SWAIX, 



REDEMPTION". 



BOOK I. 

THE PRIMITIVE STATE AND FALL OF MAX. 



ARGUIMENT. 

The Author's feeling's in prospect of the work. — The 
holiness and happiness of man in his primitive state. — '• 
The dismal effects of the fall.— The obedience of holy 
ang-els to Jehovah's will, contrasted with the rebel- 
lion of fallen men against his righteous authority. — 
Proofs of human depravity drawn from the above and 
other considerations. — Inquiry whether man has wis- 
dom or power to help himself. — Answered in the nega- 
tive. — Help in this case can never come fix)m man. 

Redeeming Love is my delightful tlieme, 

That love which in eternity began. 

And will forever and forever flow, 

The never failing spring of grace on earth 5 

The never failing cause of bliss in heav^n. 

Bright source of truth and wisdom, from whose 

beams 
Thine ancient servants caught prophetic fire, 
Oh ! let thy rays of uncreated light 
D 



3S th£ primitive state book I* 

Break like the morn on my expanding mind, 
And teach a worm, of grace omnipotent 
To sing in flowing numbers. Let the deeds. 
The matchless deeds of God in human form. 
His righteous life, and his vicarious death. 
His dying conquests, and his rising power. 
Nerve every line with vigour* String my harp 
With truth divine — with judgment brace it firm. 
And let my glow ing passions vent their fire. 
By striking praise from every tuneful chord. 
Of Love — which gives its objects vital birth^ 
By Love constrained I sing. Oh 1 may these 

notes 
Assist the gratitude of happy saints, 
And w ake the thoughtless sinner into life ! 
Crown then this feeble eflbrt with success : 
Without thine aid, abortive falls each thought. 
However strong. How ever sw eet the strain 
That tells thy Love, it charms not till thy power 
Transform the heart, and give ih'^ ear to hear; 
And since for me, with many a painful step. 
My God in human flesh, thro' death's dark vale 
Walk'd patient, when Redemption-^work he 

v/rought : 
Let the bright wonders of my Saviour's love 
Thro' all my pilgrimage my tongue employ ; 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN. 30 

And when with him above, I walk in white, 
His love will be my everlasting song. 

When the first parents of our numerous race, 
Form'd by the hand of power and skill divine, 
Sprung into life, and light, and love at once : 
Perfect in holiness, the mind of man, 
Drawn from his Maker's bright original 
By his unerring Spirit, on the earth 
Reflected all Jehovah's rectitude. 
Adam was then, o'er ail inferior ranks 
Of animate creation, rightful lord— 
The image, and the delegate of God. 
Wisdom, inherent, taught his thoughts what time 
On wings of pure devotion to ascend 
Celestial heights in strains of gf ilefal praise. 
And when on things below to cu.,t an eye 
Of kind attention : how to ssvay he knew 
With meekness, while his Maker's righteous 

' will. 
Known and approv'd, was his unerring rule. 
God gave him only good, and gave him all 
His mind, while yet in innocence, could wish^ 
What had he not that wisdom could desire ? 
What had he not that goodness could bestow^ 
Whether for social converse, mutual love. 
Or dignity of station ? Like himself 



40 THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK ^, 

In bliss, and being perfectly complete, 
A partner fair the kind Creator gave 
To sliare his heart, and double his delights, 
0-er all the creatures of inferior rank 
He ruPd without a rival. At his call 
All that were animate submissive came. 
And at his bidding v, ent to do his will ; 
Whether the lively birds that wing the air, 
Or scaly fish that cut the briny wave. 
Or beasts, of various size and various form, 
That grazed upon the beauteous landscape round, 
A garden* of delight v.ith his own hand 
The Lord of nature planted, and adorn'd 
The fair abode with every pleasant tree 
Of perfect verdure, whose delicious fruits 
In plenteous clusters on the branches hung; 
All which his sovereign Lord permission gave 
Freely to pluck and eat. I'he Tree of Life 
In vital bloom, with fruit immortal crown'd, 
Amidst the garden stood, not to his touch ^ 
Or taste forbidden : freely ev'ry fruitf 

* And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow 
every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for 
food : the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, 
and the tree of know ledge of good and evil. Gen. i>. 9. 

f And the Lord God commanded the man sayings, Of 
every tree of the garden thou ma} est freely eat j but pf 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN. 41 

That Paradise affordefl, he might eat, 

One tree alone excepted. God was pleased, 

In righteous sovereignty, to make that tree 

The test of his obedience to his law. 

' Of this,' Jehovah said, ^ ye shall not eat ; 

Nor shall ye touch its fruit ; for on w hat day 

Ye touch or eat it, dying ye shall die.'* 

Silence express'd submission and content? 
Nor could he think the prohibition hard. 
Which only bid him nothing know but good, 
When good w as all his choice : for till he feljj 
His will, unfetter'd by the love of sin. 
Was free to choose, and his superior mind, 
Not to his senses subject, but their Lord, 
One lovely motive govern'd Adam then 
In all he did, and said, and felt, and thought | 
His Maker's glory in the good of man. 

His eye, the crystal window of his soul, 
\\ liieh light convey'd to his indwelling powers, 
fSiirvey'd not objects round him or above 

the tree of knowledg-e of good and evil, thou shait not 
eat of it ; for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou 
shalt surely die. Gen. ii. 16, 17. 

* So the Hebrew reads in the margin. 
J) 3 



42 THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK I. 

Only to know, but in tliem to explore 

Fresh cause to praise the Lord who made them 

all. 
And in eaeh spiral blade, that helpM to weave 
Fair Eden's carpet, could Jehovah's pow'r 
And wisdom read, as plain as in the stars, 
The night-illuming moon, or brighter sun. 
Thus love to God, by love divine produced. 
Diffused thro' Paradise a constant spring ; 
And ev-ry opening flow'r, as from the ground 
Its verdant head it rear'd, would point the man 
At once to its Creator. O, how sweet 
Th' enjoyment of the senses then ! His willing 

ear, 
If ever down the skies the heavenly hosts, 
On gracious errands sent, their Maker's praise 
Sang in celestial strains, quick to his heart. 
With rapture filFd, convey 'd the welcome sounds 
His heart re-echo'd, in a sweet response. 
The grateful harmony. True happiness 
And perfect rectitude, are heav'n born twins. 
Obedience ever finds its own rcAvard. 
The mind that never stray'd from duty's path 
Has always found it strew'd with heavenly 

fiow'rs : 
Nor has its happiness been eircumscrib'd 



BOOK J. AND FALL OF MAN. 4(3 

But by the bounds of its capacity.* 

What solid pleasure then must man enjoy 

In contemplation on those worlds of light 

Which round creation's splendid ceiitre roll, 

Or grace her distant borders, in fixt orbs ! 

At sight of these, his pious soul must feel 

A gust of joy, to read Jehovah's name 

Omnipotent, in lines indelible, 

Written thro' all the boundless tracts of space^ 

Turn where he might, all round was paradise^ 

Verdure and bloom and beauty met his eye 

In ricli profusion — yet with order strict. 

So perfectly arrang'd, that every tree 

And ilow'r and shrub, tho' in itself complete, 

Seem'd to receive a grace from all the rest. 

'^llien every object gave devotion wings, 

And each display of goodness infinite 

Would cause his voice to rise in thankful strains 

To him who planted Eden's blissful bow'r. 

Then gratitude a double relish gave 

To good of every kind ; and then to rule 

W as not to man more sweet than to obey. 

But, not the lovely scenes of Paradise, 

* Oh, that thou hadst hearkened to my command- 
ments, then had thy peace been like a river, and thy 
righteousness as the waves of the sea. Isaiah xlviii. 18- 



44 THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK I. 

The exquisite perfume wliieli filPd the air 
From flow'rs, expanding to the morning rays 
Their tincturM bosoms : nor the taste of fruits 
Pendent in clusters from each verdant branch ; 
The melody of all the feather'd kind ; 
Nor higher thoughts on splendid worlds of light, 
Which roll suidime thro' all the bounds of space; 
Could fill his soul Vv ith transport or delight. 
Or charm liis senses more. — -Yf hen once his hand. 
Rebellious, dared to break the bounds prescribed, 
And pluck forbidden fruit ; then peace expir\l, 
And every grace fell slaughter 'd round her tomb. 
Oh ! what a change, from that sad hour, took 

place 
In man-s immortal mind ! What evil fruits 
Have from one seed of black rebellion sprung ! 
Shame fiiPd his conscious soul, and stain'd his 

cheek 
With an ungraceful, disingenuous blush. 
Guiltj in a cloud of darkness and despair, 
Enveloped all his intellectual powers. 
His noble passions, once the blissful seat 
Of each celestial grace, became the den 
Of fiends infernal, and of lawless lust ! 
How chang'd the ear, the heart, the state of man ! 
His Maker's voice was music to him once, 
Aud filrd his listening powVs ^yith gratitude. 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN. 4i5i 

That God would deign with creatures to converse. 
But now, alas ! the all-creating voice 
Grates on his ear— he flies to hide himself 
When God that made him calb 1 He shrinks 

averse 
To honour v/hich would fill all heav'n with 

shouts 
Of grateful praise — the presence of his God ! 
' Adam, where art thou ?' when Jehovah calFd — . 
' Where art thou, Adam ?' echo'd thro' his soul, 
Not with delight, but dismal as the sound 
Terrific of a rattling thunder-peal ! 
Where art thou ? What a question I 'Tis the 

voice 
That calls in judgment to the sons of men 
Thro' every age — ansuer'd by dying groans, 
And opening graves, and quenchless flames be- 
neath. 
How passing bitter was reflection then, 
To him who knew by sweet experience pist 
Tlie blissful contrast ; when he felt the curse^ 
Shot like an arrow from the bow^ of truth. 
Dart thro' his guilty conscience — and beheld 
A paradise of blesHings^ by one blast 
Of righteous vengeance, fade before his eyes ! 
Go sinner — count his loss, and count thy own. 
Think on his shameful fail—then look within-<^ 



46 THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK I. 

And truth and conscience will explain the rest. 
A branch corrupt^ sprung from a root deprav'd, 
Is every child of x\dam, since the curse, 
The righteous curse, pronounc'd on man for sin. 
Death stands between eternity and time 
With open jaws, on such a narrow bridge 
That none can pass, but must become his prey. 
Need we more proof that man no longer bears 
Jeliovah^s image ? Come, ascend with me 
Celestial heights. By revelation's aid, 
Reason may climb to glory, and inquire 
How creatures act, and whence they draw their 

bliss 
Who never sinn'd, and therefore must be wise ; 
Who never err "d, and therefore must be right. 
God speaks in heav'tt^— .praise pauses on the 

tongue ; 
Gabriel his hand from his high sounding harp 
Withliolding, silent w aits Jehovah's will ; 
While each bright seraph round th' eternal 

throne 
The ready wing expands, No law they need 
But the divine conimand : ^ Go, happy minds^' 
The condescending Self^existent saith, 
' Who never sinn'd, to sinful man proclaim 
The joyful tidings of a Saviour's birth !' 
Wide ope» fly the goldeju hinged gates ; 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN. 47 

And sudden down tli' expanse the willing choirs^ 
With swiftness inconceivable to man^ 
Dart thro' the trackless air. Heaven far behind 
They leave ; nor on their bright abode look backj 
Nor stop to gaze upon the starry globes 
By which they pass ; more forward to obey 
Than to admire. Soon, thro' the nether skies, 
The bright archangel, swifter than the rest, 
As them in native strength excelling, pours 
A flood of heavenly glory dowii to earth. 
Back fly the sun-beams into eastern shades. 
Before the rays of this Celestial star ; 
And sinful m^n, a stranger to such lights 
Shakes at the grand appearance ; till a voice, 
Big with encouragement, and fraught with love. 
Thus hails him ; ' Fear not, for, behold, I bring 
Glad tidings of a Saviour born to you, 
A Saviour, which is Christ th' anointed Lord !' 
And suddenly the heavenly multitude, 
That with him left their stations round the 

throne. 
Descending in celestial robes of light, 
Spread their broad glories round him. (Such a 

scene 
Grac'd not these skies again, till, over death 
And sin. triumphant, their ascending Lord, 
Amidst the shouts of myriads of their hosts^ 



48 THE PRIMITIVE STAfE BOOK I. 

Pass'd to liis Father's throne, where now he sits.) 
' Giory to God,' they sang, ' who dwells on high; 
Peace and good will to highly favoured man !' 
Their work performed, back to their native home 
They speed their way, and, at their Sovereign's 

feet 
Low bending, shout the wonders of his love, 
All by that love constrain'd. Each golden harp, 
Beneath the finger of angelic skill. 
Sounds loud ; and every tongue as loud resounds 
Immortal hallelujahs to the God, 
Who condescends his majesty to veil 
In mortal fiesh, to ransom helpless man ! 
Again tliey pause with wonder — and again 
Shout hallelujah ! while the loud Amen 
Crowns the triumphant song with harmony ; 
Till rapture, rev'rence, wonder, love, and praise^ 
With high responses fill the court of heaven 1 

Again the heavenly hosts a charge* receive^ 
While deep attention sits on every ear : 
' Behold, on yonder globe, my equal Son, 
My first elect, in whom my soul delights, 
An helpless infant in his mother's arms ! 

* He shall g-ive his angels charge over thee, to kee{» 
thee m all thy ways. Psalm xei. 11. 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN. 49 

Go, watch him from the maDger to tlie cross ; 
Keep him in all his ways, and in your hands 
Uphold him, lest at any time his foot 
He dash against a stone — be this your care.' 
Cheerful they leave again the realms of lights 
And, on the wings of swift obedience, down 
To earth descend, nor quit their precious charge. 
One moment ; till, a conqueror array'd 
In martial honours, they attend him back, 
Thro' shouting armies, to his seat supreme 
At the right hand of Majesty on high. 

God speaks in heav'n — ' Let princes, thrones, 
and powers. 
Angels, archangels, mighty seraphim, 
And all the orders of intelligence 
That on my fulness live, and do my will, 
Worship, as me, so my co-equal Son.'* 
Down at his feet, their radiant diadems 

* And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten 
mto the world, he saith. And let all the angels of God 
w^orship him. Heb. i. 6. — That at the name oi Jesus eve- 
ry knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in 
earth, and things under the earth ; and that every tongue 
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory 
of God the Father. Phil. ii. 10, 11. 
B 



6 THE FRIMITIVE STATE BaOK t. 



They east, submissi ve bending from tlieir tlirones, 
And hail him Lord of all his hands have made.* 
Nor does the manhood (once beneath a tomb 
Bv death's strong bars confin'd) offend the eye 
Of those bright worshippers; — while bending low 
On adoration's wings, upward they gaze 
With reverence deep, and in th' ascended Son 
The fulnesst of the Father's pow 'r perceive ; 
And feel the rays of majesty immense 
Beam thro' their potent minds, and overwhelm 
Their ample pow'rs with glories underiv'd. 
Mysterious union ! how unsearchable ! 
Yet tho' a mystery, 'tis still a truth 
Seen, felt, acknowledged, gloried in, in heav'n, 
Though earth and hell attempt to prove it false. 
Here lies the deep w hieh angels cannot sound ; 
The mystery,! which shall the minds employ, 

* For by him were all things created that are in hea^ 
ven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether 
they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or pow- 
ers ; all thing's were created by him and for him ; and 
he is before all things, and by him all thmgs consist 
Col. i. 16, 17. 

f For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead 
bodily. Col. ii. 9. 

t And without controversy great is the mystery of 
g'odliuess ; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN* 5i 

Of men delivered from the curse of sin. 
And angels, never in that curse invoiv'd : 
While everlasting its eternal round 
Pursues without Ptpproaching tow'drs an end. 
Here rapture, with the wings of rev'renee, veils 
Her heav'n illumin-d face, fix'd in amaze, 
Forever iix'd, without a wandering thought ! 
Angels that never hroke Jehovah's law, 
Humbly adore where comprehension fails, 
And wait their Maker's time his will to know. 
But man, that lies a sentenced criminal. 
Justly condemned by an impartial Judge, 
Replete with wilful ignorance, and pride, 
Its sure attendant, arrogantly claims 
Knowledge of things incompreJiensible 
To angel minds, and looks to be informed 
How God intends to work his sovereign will 1 

God speaks on earth — (and earth as much 
depends 
Upon the pow'r of his almighty hand, 
And owes as strict obedience to his will, 
As angels, who his precepts never broke :) 

the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles^ 
believed on in the world, received up into ^lory, X 
Tim. iii. 16. 



52 THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK I. 

Frcm heaven to earth he speaks by Wisdom's 

voice :* 
' To you, O sons of fallen man, I call ! 
Hear ye my friendly voice, and learn of me 
The way yoirve so long lost ; the way that leads, 
From death to which ye hasten, to the realms 
Of life and love, from which so fast ye fly. 
Instruction of more worth than shining gems. 
Or massy wedges of the purest gold, 
I to the simple freely will impart. 
The. heavenly truth i teach, enriches more 
The soul that feels its powerful influence. 
Than all the gems which India's mines pro- 
duce — 
The diadems of kings. Honour, w ith me, 

* Doth not Wisdom cry, and Understanding put forth 
her voice ? She standeth m the top of hig-h places by the 
way, in the pkxes of the paths. She crieth at the gates, 
at the entry of the city, at the coming* in at the doors. 
Unto you, O meri, 1 cA\ ! and my voice is to the sons of men. 
O, ye simple, understand wisdom ; and ye fools, be of an 
miderstandmg heart. Hear, for I will speak of excellent 
[princely] thing's ; and the opening of my lips shall be 
right things. Receive my insa-iiclion and not silver, and 
knovY ledge rather tiian choice gold. For wisdom is bet- 
ter than rubies ; and all ti.e things thai may be desu*ed 
are not to be compared to it. Prov, viix. 1 — 6. 10, 11, 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN. 03 

And riclies* durable, and sweet dclightsj 
Unfading, incorruptible, and pure, 
Existed long before the morning stars 
Together sang ; and all the sons of God 
Shouted for joy, to see this new made world, 
From chaos, into beauteous order spring, 
At my life giving v» ord. To liim that thirsts, 
Water of life I give, such as in heaven 
Cherubic legions drink, and feel their hearts 
Bound with delight ; to him that hungers, bread t 
That angels feed upon, deriving thence 
Immortal vigour and immortal bloom. 
Come, dwell witli me, for I have built an house| 
On pillars hewn by strength omnipotent 
From the firm Rock of ages ; strong to save 
Its tenants from the threatening storms above, 
And rolling floods that deluge all beneath. 
Protection durable, and rich supply 



* Riches and honour are with me, yea durable riches 
and rlg'hteousness ; my fruit is better than g'old, yea than 
fine g"old, and my revenue than choice silver. Prov. viii. 
18, 19. 

f Come eat of my bread, and di'ink of the wine which 
I have mingled. Prov. ix. 5. 

t Wisdom hath budded her house, she hath hewn out 
her seven pillars. Prov, ix. 1. 
Iji 2 



54< THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK I. 

That knows no fear of want, my house aftbrds 
To him that wisely an asylum seeks 
From Tophet's burning pit ; but he that scorns 
Life as my gift, a willing prey to death,* 
Shall fall unpitied, and unpardon'd die ! 

Thus Wisdom spake of old ; but now more 
plain. 
Since uncreated Wisdom, clad in flesh, 
Dwelt here, and, spoiling all opposing pow'rs, 
Nail'd ev'ry type and shadow to his cross, 
That love divine, without a Jewish veil. 
Her native beauties might display to man. 
' Lo, on Salvation's wings,' Jehovah says, 
' I send my equal, my beloved Son, 
Almighty to redeem, and strong to save 
Whoever trusts the riches of his grace ! 
Let men, enslaved by Satan and by sin, 
To him for full and free redemption fly : 
And though their sinsf exceed the scarlet dye, 

* He that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul ; 
all they that hate me love death. Prov. viii. 36. 

f Come now and let us reason together, saith Jehovah : 
though your sms be as scarlet, tliey shall be whi.e as 
snow ; though they be red like crimson, they shall be 
as wool. Isaiah i. 18. 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN. 55 

Or new shed crimson on the murderer's knife, 

And though in number they exceed the stars 

That roll above the azure firmament, 

Yet shall their minds in purity surpass 

The virgin snow that from the skies descend, 

And equal that of angels round my throne ; 

And of the countless number of their crimes 

Not one for condemnation shall appear, 

\Yhen I descend to judge the quick and dead. 

But let not feeble man attempt to weave 

A righteousness himself, wlierein to stand 

Just before me, who cannot look on sin ! 

As well may sable Ethiopians* bathe 

In lucid streams, their jetty limbs to change 

From native blackness into genuine white ; 

Or leopards from their garments lick the spots ; 

As man attempt himself to justify, 

Or seek acceptance at my avv ful bar, 

JSut through the mediation of my Son.' 

And what reception meets the gracious news 
From gailty man, in pity thus addressed ? 

* Can the Ethiopian chang'e his skin, or the leopard 
bis spots ? then may ye also do g'ood that are accustom- 
ed to do evil. Jer. xiii. 23, 



56 THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK I. 

Tell it not, muse, where fallen cherubs howl. 
Lest Satan boast a virtue more than man. 
They never sent sweet Mercy's herald back, 
With bold defiance to the God of grace, 
For publishing salvation in their ears ! 
Man only slights the hand that loves to save, 
And never punishes but when it must.* 
Bright Wisdom calls in vain ; in vain the God 
That gave attentive powers, attention claims. 
Such hatred in the sons of x\dam dwells, 
Since Adam's awful fall, to God himself. 
And to the pure delights of holiness I 
If Justice frown, he rather flies than sues ; 
If Mercy smile, with a self-righteous scoff 
He bids her smile on them that need her aid. 
E'en Folly's wild enchantments please him more 
Than Wisdom's solid joys. His rocky heart, 
Obdurate render'd by the love of sin 
So long indulged, refuses to be charm'd ! 
Tliougli heavenly eloquence address his ear, 
Impregnable his stubborn will remains ; 
And he no lord aekaovviedges but sin. 
Deaf even to the voice of him who spake 

* Not v/illmg" that any should perish, but that alL 
should come to repentance. 2 Pet. iii. 9. 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAJf. 07 

As never yet spake man beside himself. 
When Christ invites his easy yoke to wear, 
And shews himself the way to endless rest. 
Their answer is — We* will not have this man 
To govern us, nor will we trust his grace ; 
In our own righteousness we'll stand or fall. — 
Thus moji, too guilty to be justified 
On his own terms, too proud to stoop to God 
Rushes through life — till in the jaws of death 
He finds himself fast lock'd ^ then he perceives, 
Too late, his trust his condemnation proves. 
When awful Justice, with an outstretch'd hand, 
And flaming sword uplifted o'er his head. 
Cries, ' Pay me that thou owest' — back from 

her frown. 
Affrighted, shrinks the wretclied criminal ! 
Guilt in his conscience rages, in his heart 
Dismav and terror : destitute of ^.^ ill 
The law of God to love, and void of powV 
To answer its demand, hell in his soul 
Already kindling into quenchless flames, 
For mercy now as much in vain he cries 

* But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after 
him, saying". We will not have this man to reign over 
us. Luke xix. 14. 



58 THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK I, 

As slighted mercy once invited liim. 

Not that lie longs for heav'n, or could in heav'n 

Dwellj might he enter freely ; holiness 

In those about him would be hell to him, 

Tho' heav'n were all around : but who can hear 

The dreadful fire of God"s devouring wrath ? 

Who can to everlasting burnings* go. 

And not at entrance tremble ? Who could launch 

On seas of liquid fire, without a shore 

For hope to anclior on, and not his foot 

Draw^ back from the black vessel ef despair, 

When wrath divine begins to swell the sails ? 

But are there none among the sons of men 
Blest with perceptions keen enough to pierce 
The gloomy clouds of sin, in which themselves^ 
W itli all the race of Adam, are involved ? 
The well-instructed philosophic minds. 
That scale the heavens and measure the expanse 
In which the starry worlds above us roll ; 
That learn the times and seasons of those orbs, 



* The sinners in Zlon are afraid : fearfulness hatl^ 
surprised the hj^ocriies. Who among" us shall dwell 
with the devouring fire ? Wlio among us shall dwell 
with everlasting- burnings ? Isaiah xxxiii, 14. 



BOOK I. AND FALL OF MAN. 09 

And teach their inflisenee on the states of men : 
The men of moral life, who seldom start 
From rules, themselves and ancestors have made : 
Can these, whom well reputed reason calls 
Her favourites, and crowns them when they die 
With laurel wreaths, which live from age to age, 
And tell the world, with verdure ever green. 
What rich rewards the queen of students, fame, 
Bestows on them who worship at her shrine : 
Can these, with all the force of eloquence 
To nerve each polislrd precept as they speak, 
Do nothing to allure the mind of man 
From love of sin, or lead it back to God ? 
No ; the revealed mind of God declares 
The wisdom* of the world is foolishness ; 
And these have drawn their wisdom from the 

wells 
Of human science, dug by love of self. 
'Tis true, philosophy in its own sphere 
iDeserves applause ; but shall the mind, eonfin'd 
To earthly objects, claim a power to teach 
A lapsed soul the path that leads to God ? 

* For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with 
God ; as it is written, He taketh the wise in their own 
craftiness. 1 Cor. iii. 19, 



60 THE PRIMITIVE STATE BOOK I. 

Shall liiiman wit attempt to scale the walls, 
Built by the mighty hand of sovereign grace ? 
The roof of heav'n's too high for these to climb • 
The gate of heaven's too narrow to admit 
The self-sufiicient in. The bubbling stream 
Above its native fountain cannot rise ; 
Nor can the skill, that's mortal at the best. 
And through corrupted channels all deriv'd. 
Whatever its eftorts, gain immortal bliss. 



END OF THE FIRST BOOK, 



BOOK II. THE WAY TO HEAVEN, &C. 61 



BOOK IL 

THE WAY TO HEAVEN BY GRACE AND TRUTH. 



ARGUIVIENT. 

There is but one way to Heaven — Hence how vast the 
importance of setting- out right !— The beauty and 
excellence of truth commended, and exemplified.— 
Christ is the way to happmess in God. — His covenant 
engagements for the elect.— The unparalleled glories 
of the cross, as it displays the harmony of the divine 
perfections, and opens an inexliaustable store of grace 
to siimers. 

Heav'n is a place of magnitude immense. 
No human thought can its dimensions grasp. 
Or count the ransom'd myriads which exult 
In bliss immortal through its spacious realms ; 
Yet Heaven has but one door. Whoever seeks 
By other ways to enter, must, asham'd. 
Confused, and disappointed, see, too late, 
The gates of hell expanded to his view. 
Thus he who built its stately frame declares, 
Wliose word stands firm as his eternal throne : 
F 



62 THE WAY TO HEAVEN, BOOK It* 

^ No other name is published under lieav'n, 
Wherein salvation can be founds but one.' 

To warn the sinner of his awful state, 
I sing of dreadful Justice ; and to cheer 
Tlie blest believer on his heavenly road, 
Of sovereign Mercy's never failing springs. 
Come, learn the way from sin to holiness, 
The way from sorrow to eternal joy : 
Learn of a friend, who deems his labour crown'd 
With rich reward, if others reap the fruit. 
Or rather, lift thy thoughts at once to God, 
And hear the voice of Wisdom from his throne. 
God has, in love to sinful men, reveaPd 
A way of his own choosing. Read his word. 
And humbly there his sovereign will explore. 
Hark ! from that sacred word, the Lord pro- 
claims, 
' Whoever will, for life may freely come !' 
Christ bled for sinners^ and his open wounds 
Have yet for sinners room. Who knows but 

thou, 
However vile, may'st in his book of life, 
And in his heart engraven, read thy name ? 
Then round his throne with ransom- d armies joiBi 
To sing his love in everlasting strains. 



BOOK II. BY GRACE AND TRUTH. 63 

Does truth delight thee ? Bind it round thy neckj 

And write it on the table of thine heart. 

No ornament so beautifies the soul. 

As the fair di'mond of sincerity. 

No spring so cheers the heart with boundless joy, 

As the pure flowing streams of truth divine. 

God is the fountain of eternal bliss, 

Forever flowing, yet forever full. 

And all the rivers broad, and all the streams. 

Of peace and joy originate in him. 

God is so happy^ that his smile is heaven 5 

So potent that his anger darts despair. 

Rebels, that will not to his sceptre bend, 

Must into shivers break beneath his rod. 

Princes are dust, and kingdoms flying chaff*, 

Before the blast of his devouring wrath. 

When it begins to rise. — The earth itself 

Will hear his voice : and all intomb'd therein, 

When he command, before him must appear, 

In one dread moment to receive their doom. 

God is so j^ure^ that sin offends his sight,* 

And kindles vengeance in his flaming eye 

Whenever it is seen : no beauteous form 



* Thou art of pui*er eyes than to behold iniquity. 
Hab. i. 13. 



64< THE WAY TO HEAVEN^ BOOK II. 

From liim can hide a disobedient heart ! 
God is sojust^ that all unrighteousness 
Is enmity itself against his reign — 
So good^ that light's a feeble metaphor 
His goodness to express ; diffusive, free, 
And wider than the boundless sea of space. 
God is so great^ that angels, thrones and pow'rsj 
Before his majesty their faces veil, 
Witli grandeur overwhelmed. Divinity 
Is light, to which no creature can approach, 
When clotii'd w ith all its pow'r : the Man alone 
Excepted, who is God and man at once. 
Christ is the w ay* — the only way to God : 
Through him the sinner,t at Jehovah's throne, 
Ma.y seek acceptance, and acceptance find. 
God*s Holy Spirit is the gracious guide, 

* Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and 
the life ; no man cometh unto the Father but by me. 
John xiv. 6. 

f For through him we both have access by one Spirit 
to the Father. Eph. ii. 18.— He shall feed his fiock like 
a shepherd ; he shall gather the lambs in his arms. Isa. 
xl. 11. — ^I am the door, by mx if any man enter in he shall 
])e saved ; and shall go in and out and find pasture. John 
X. 9. — And other sheep I have which are not of this fold ; 
them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice ; 
and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. John x. 16, 



BOOK II. BY GRACE AND TRUTH. 65 

1'lia.t takes tlie wand'riiig sinner by the hand 
And leads him to this Jesus. Led by him 
The Saviour owns and bears the wandering sheep 
On his kind shoulders, to his Father's fold. 
^ Ail that the Father giveth me shall come,' 
Tlie Saviour says, ' and him that comes to me, 
I never uiil in any wise cast out.' 
The sheep of Jesus know their Shepherd's voice, 
And follow him — His sheep he likewise knows, 
And gives them life eternal, and secures 
The life he gives them by his sacred word— - 
That word which stands more firm than heav'n 

or earth ;' 
For ' none,' says he, ' shall pluck them from 

my hand ;' 
The Father's firm decrees of sovereign grace 
Were always to the Son completely known ; 
And he could read in heav'n^s sure book of life, 
What he pronounc'd with hitman lips on earth. 
When God set bounds to every creature's pow'r, 
And lixt immutably the sure result 
Of all the various w orks his pow'r had form'd, 
Jesus was there : and seaFd, in covenant. 
The vast designs by truth and wisdom plan'ds 
Kis purposes no cross events can thwart 5 
For all events revolve, and re- revolve, 
F 2 



66 THE WAY TO HEAVEN, BOOK II. 

His counsels to fulfil. Whether in hell 

By malice hatch'd, on earth by tyranny. 

Or by obedient angels high in bliss 

In love perform'd ; his servants, or his slaves, 

x\re all the armies which exult in lieav'n, 

Sojourn on ea.rth, or shake their chains in helL 

Yet when the Judge of heaven and earth pro- 

nounc'd 
That righteous sentence, ' Dying ye shall die ;' 
And our first parents, filPd witli guilt and fear, 
Stript of their innocence, and ciolh'd in shame, 
Stood self-convicted at their Sovereign's bar; 
Satan perhaps exalted. He might think 
God's ancient purpose frustrate ; all tiie fruit 
Of his high counsel iif creating man 
Abortive rendered, and this embryo world 
His own dominion, where to range at large, 
And glut his malice on the misery 
Of the V, hole human race. Not such the thought 
Immutable, of him who sits enthroned 
In majesty a])ove. He sees at once 
With equal ease, and undisturbed, tilike 
The motive that inspires a cherub's breast 
With pure devotion, and the dark design 
Rebellion hatches in tlie subtle brain 
Of him who reigns in Tophet's gloomy realms. 



BOOK II. BY GRACE AND TRUTH. 6^ 

The end, from the beginning, is with him, 
And that which is to be, he sees as done. 
God saw the secret train for mischief laid, 
When craft infernal prov'd too strong for man : 
He saw ; nor could the deepest plot of hell. 
Though pregnant with destruction to the wretch 
Who dar'd against his Maker lift his hand. 
Ruffle th' eternal calm which on his mind 
Sits, as the pillars of ]iis throne, secure. 

High in the heav'n of heavens Jehovah sat, 
With all his plan of justice, love, and grace, 
At once before his eye. Ivlan's shameful fall 
He mark'd ; and heard the voice of rectitude, 
yhat call'd for vengeance on the rebel's head — . 
He heard and own'd the justice of the claim. 
But casting back a retrospective glance 
On Iiis eternal counsels, in tlie book 
Of his decrees unalterable, the names 
Of millions of the human race appeared 
Chosen by sovereign love to be redeemed. 
And call'd and puriii'd, and set apart 
To magnify on earth his lioly name, 
Till he to glory should receive them up, 
To be forever with and like himself. 
Tlieir names he read in ev(?rlasting line9 



es 



THE WAY TO HEAVEN, BOOK II. 



Of sovereign love^ deep on his heart engrav'd, 

And written on the palms of both his hands 

In living eliaracters ; from which his eye 

He turns not once, in all the various scenes 

Of joy and sorrow, soul expanding hope, 

And heart-depressing fear, sickness and health, 

Thro' which on earth he causes them to pass 5 

But still remembers* they were ev'ry one, 

Before the morning stars together sang, 

Or jet angelic harp was heard in heav'n, 

« Predestinatedf from eternity, 

To be to all eternity conformed 

To the bright image of his equal Son.' 

This many a happy saint since then has seen, 

Clear as a sun-beam, in the sacred page, 

With holy love and admiration fiiPd, 

With eyes fast flovv ing, and a melting heart. 

All these of his own will,:): not their desert, 

* O Israelj thou shall not be forgotten of me. Isaiah 
xliv. 21. 

f For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate 
to be confoimed to the image of his Son. Moreover, 
whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and 
whom he called, them he also justified ; and whom he 
justified, them he also glorified. Rom. viii. 29, 30. 

± Of his own will begat be us with the word of truth, 
James i, 18. 



BOOK II. BY GRACE AND TRUTH. 69 

Were to himself united close by love 

Inimutable : all these, but not all men. 

And though by sin, his image from the hearts 

Of his elect was every feature lost. 

And those he lov'd were plung- d as deep in guilt 

As others were, with whom alike they fell ; 

And though as strong propensity they feel 

As others, to infringe the law of God; 

Jehovah's own eternal, equal Son, 

Pure as his Father, and with him alike 

Almighty to create or to destroy : 

By covenant engagement undertook 

Their ranscim, from the slavish chains of sin;> 

And from the curse of God's avenging law. 

Pure, from the bosom of eternal love, 
Jehovah gave his well beloved Son ; 
That men on him believing, might have life : 
And with design as pure, the vSon came down 
To serve and suffer in the sinner's stead, 
^he cross explains the state of man with God : 
The cross reveals the mind of God to man. 
There Mercy, Truth, and Righteousness, with 

Peace, 
Met in one pure embrace. The whole of God 
Was manifested in that awful scene. 
Brighter than heav'n had seen him shine before 5 



^Q THE WAY TO HEAVEN, BOOK II. 

Stronger than human intellect could bear ; 
And yet so plain, that man must read it. Love. 
Never did Truth Divine so fair appear 
As when she told with her impartial voice. 
The Lord of Life, that he behov'd to die ; 
Because she found him in the sinner's place. 
And read the names pf sinners on his heart. 
Never did Justice on her brow a frown 
Wear so majestic, nor an heart so firm 
Display, to punish with impartial hand 
^ii]i where she found it, as when, thro^ the soul 
Of man^s Redeemer, her avenging sword 
She plung'd vindictive, till each vital stream 
Was drv, and life before her dreadful face 
Fled from its sinless dwelling. 
Never did Mercy so divinely shine, 
As \ihen, on Calvary, she sat enthroned, 
While judgment placed the sceptre in her hand, 
And smiPd in crimson robes ! Never before. 
Nor since, was Goodness so benign display'd. 
As when to save vile, intellectual ^\orms 
From helPs dark realms, the Prince of intellect 
Himself endured God's wrath, and with his blood 
Quencli'd the devouring liames : through his own 

heart, 
Thus Qpening an amazing avenue 



BOOK II. BY GRACE AND TRUTH. 7l 

For sinners namberless, to pass from death. 
To life immortal, and immortal bliss. 
Never did Love Etep.nal, though immense, 
To such mysterious depths descend before. 
Or rise to such sublime unbounded heights ; 
Sinking beneath the gloomy caves of death, 
To drown the sins, and purify the souls, 
Howe'er depraved, of all who trust his grace ; 
Rising beyond the everlasting hills 
To fix the subjects of Redeeming Grace 
Secure among the highest sons of bliss ! 
Never did Light, so glorious from its source, 
Break on all orders of intelligence. 
As when the Sun of Righteousness, in blood 
Sacrific, ting-d his uncreated beams. 
From the vast chaos of his sufferings rose. 
And everlasting Light, thro' heaven and earth. 
Diffused in one full blaze of endless day ! 
Here all God's attributes together meet, . 
As an assemblage of unclouded suns, 
Each on the others shining. Angels here, 
With holy wonder struck, and lilPd with awe, 
Gaze and admire, to read their Maker's nams 
In living characters, where every truth 
Like a celestial mirror, on the rest 
Refl^ects eternal beauty ! Ev'ry flam© 



72 THE WAY TO HEAVEX, BOOK II. 

Of wratli divine, that blazes tliro' the gulph 
Where dwell th' infernal legions, speaks the 

pow'r, 
The purity, and righteousness of God ; 
And ev'ry soul excruciating pang, 
The conscious myriads in that iiery lake, 
From hope shut out, incessantly endure, 
HL'ells them that Justice with a righteous hand 
Tlieir punishment infiicts. There, not a tongue 
Thro' all their hosts, tho' red with quenchless 

flames. 
But must confess (could truth be found in hell) 
Th' unsullied honours of its righteous Judge. 
But though helps horrid gloom reflects a blaze 
Of awful glory on Jehovah's name ; 
Yet, in the sufferings of Immanuel, 
We read in more expressive character's, 
Th' impartial justice of an injur'd law. 
Than in the quenchless torments ofthedamn'd. 
Never did angels in their Maker's name 
Such depths of purity and love perceive, 
Since first the honors of his name they sang, 
As when in crimson letters, from his heart, 
On Calvary transcrib'd, they saw it shine 
Through universal darkness ; in itself 
So glorious, that no other light could help 



BOOK tU BY GRACE AND TRUTH. 5^3 

To render It conspicuous but its own. 

Then Holiness in its full splendour shone, 

And God's just law shed forth its brightest rays, 

When, its insulted honours to restore 

To their prime beauty, God in human flesh 

Dwelt among mortal men, and thus fulfilPd 

Its strict requirements, casting o'er them all, 

A purer lusture than appeared before. 

Christ veiPd beneath a state of poverty. 

The Pearl of glory while he sojourn'd here .* 

And in that Pearl beams everlasting Love 

In all its peerless beauty ! Love shines most, 

Clad in its meanest vesture ! When the Lord 

Laid his eternal dignity aside. 

Assuming both our nature and our state, 

To make himself a perfect substitute : 

He proved that God is no less infinite 

In condescension, than in majesty. 

Jehovah could not suffer, nor obey. 

No creature he ! perfection infinite ! 

What angel could have thought these two 

should meet ? 
Omnipotence and weakness coalesced. 
In the mysterious Holy One of God. 
He taught the sun his course, kept all the slar$ 
In their appointed stations, and upheld, 



74i THE WAY TO HEAVEN, BOOK II. 

By strength omnipotent, the univ erse, 
While on the wondTing virgin's breast he hung ; 
In heaven adored — an infant swath'd on earth ! 
Come sinners bend in sacred silence here — 
Here worship witliout words — think, and adore. 
For comprehension fails — and speech is dumb. 

Should the bright hosts in heaven strike all 

at once. 
With all their power and skill, their golden 

harps, 
And all the ransom'd saints in glory, join 
Their voeal eSorts with immortal shouts, 
Witliout one pause through all eternity ; 
Yet would this Truth outsoar their highest 

notes 
And rise sublime beyond the reach of praise. 
The God, the Man, the Servant, the Supreme, 
The Criminal condemn'd, the righteous Judge, 
All in the person of Immanuel meet ! 
Oh ! for an harp to sound his worthy name, 
O'er the vast surface of this spacious globe. 
So loud and sweet that every ear might hear, 
And every heart might feel, what Jesus means* 
No narne in heav'n pretends to vie with his : 
Its av/fal sound inspires eelestiai hearts 



BOOK II. BY GRACE AND TRUTH. 75 

With blissful rapture ; and with reverence deep 
Fills their adoring powers. Tho;igh utter'd 

oft, 
Chief note in every strain, it never cloys 5 
Siich mines of rich instruction, and such mines 
Of rich delight does Jesus' name contain. 
So Paul, inspired with sacred wisdom, taught, 
When to the churches writing, Christ was all 
In each epistle: whether sharp rebuke. 
Or commendation kind, employ'd his pen ; 
W^hether he struck the golden harp of love^ 
Or thunder'd forth the terrors of the law ; 
Still Christ was all in all. At every close, 
The sacred honours of the Saviour's name 
Shed their full fragrance, as a sweet perfume^ 
Enriching ev'ry sentence. None but Christ, 
And him for sinners crucified, and rais'd, 
To justify them at his Father's throne, 
Would holy Paul acknowledge as his theme. 
^ I live,' he cries — -yet, recollecting quick 
Whence his life sprung — ' Not I, but Christ in 

me,' 
Absorbs the bold assertion. None but Christ, 
If Paul must preach, would serve him for a itxU 
That name alone he deem'd sufficient quite. 
To exercise his talents to the full. 



^6 THE WAY TO HEAVEN, BOOK II. 

And give his eloquence its utmost stretch. 
Come, then, for Christ invites you, sinners come. 
And contemplate the glories of the cross. 
Here mountains shrink to vales, and valleys rise 
To mountains, with luxuriant verdure crown'd : 
Here myrtles spring in place of prickling thorns, 
And briers fade before the rising fir. 
Here guilt, disarmed of his tremendous sting, 
Expires beneath the smile of grace divine. 
Here the foul leper, cover'd with disease, 
Drops his uncleanness, and, as if new rais'd, 
Springs from corruption, into life and health, 
Before the touch of purity divine. 
The lame learn here to walk, the dumb to speajc. 
The deaf to hearken, and the blind to see. 
From life in its pure seed, expiring here, 
Spring ail the plants of future Paradise. 
The stately cedar, and the lowly shrub. 
The lofty palm, and the luxuriant vine. 
With ev'ry flow'r, and aromatic herb, 
In perfect order, and in ^lerfect bloom. 
Grow here, and shed forth sweets which never 

die. 
Come, sinners come, leave all your vain delightiij 
The sweets of sin are poisoned by the curse. 
And bitter sorrows follow carnal joy. 



BOOR th 



BY GRACE AND TRUTH. W 



But here (though from the doctrine of the cross 
Some bitter herbs do spring for \vhoiesome 

use) 
No gloomy horrors on reflection rise^ 
To scare the guilty conscience. No broad 

sword 
Hangs by the thread of Justice o^er his head, 
Who looks by faith to this great sacrifice. 
Here dy'd the Saviour — and here die the sins 
Of all who view him w ith an eye of faith. 
Yea death himself, with all his ghastly train 
Of horrors, at the cross of Christ expires. 
The sting of death is sin, the strength of sin 
Is the condemning law's tremendous curse : 
But Christ has borne the curse of guilt away, 
And spoird the monster of his piercing sting. 
Now, Christians, you may sit beneath the cross, 
And while you crown the Saviour's head with 

praise, 
Due to his worthy name, defy the pow'r 
Of gloomy death; and here triumphant shout, 
^ O death, where is the sharpness of thy 

sting ? 
Where is thy victory, devouring grave ? 
Thanks be to God, who aives us victorv/ 
G 2 



1 



78 THE WAY TO HEAVEN, &C, BOOK II 

When Jesus sufFerd, he disarmM our foes ; 
When Jesus rose, he triumphed o^er them all. 
Then to the utmost mite our debt was paid, 
And Justice can no more demand ; no more 
The strictest law of rectitude require. 



END OF THE SECOND BOOK< 



BOOK III. GRACE AND TRUTH, &C, ^9 



BOOK m. 

GRACE AND TRUTH MADE MANIFEST, 



ARGUMENT, 

Thoughts on the resurrection and general judgment.- — 
Various characters called on to consider that great 
day. — Christ's servants are no slaves. — The Holy Spirit 
our effectual Teacher. — The Spirit teaches by means 
of the word. — It is his glory to manifest the Saviour. — 
The unparalleled majesty of the Redeemer's person. — 
The greatness of his power manifested m the conver- 
sion of sinners. 

Then Christ retuni'd to glory with a shout. 
^ God is come up,' the trumpets sounded loud ; 
' God is come up,' replied the high response ; 
' Jesus has spoil'd the powers of death and hell. 
And put them all to everlasting shame.' 
And, as he rose, so will he come again : 
On a bright throne of justice, pure and white, 
Will Christ descend to judge the quick and dead. 
Then all mankind at once will hear his voice ; 
The living saints will in one moment spring 



HO GRACE AND TRUTH BOOK III. 

From mortpJ to immortal ; wliile tlie dead. 
Who slept in Jesus, bursting from the tombs, 
Will fill the vast expanse with sudden shouts, 
Loud as the trump which wakes them | and as 

sweet, 
With perfect and harmonious gratitude, 
As ever sounded from celestial tongues. 
But oh ! what horrid shrieks and dismal groans 
Will sinners rend the air with, as they rise 
To hear their sentence, and look round in vain 
For rocks and hills to fall upon their lieads. 
And hide them from the presence of the Judge ! 
Jesus will then ]>e manifest to all. 
And all the Father's glories will appear 
Full orb'd, in our Immanuers awful face : 
While fi'om the Judge, as its immortal source, 
Eternal truth in perfect splendour shines, 
And shews all objects in their proper light. 
Think on that day, ye liumble souls that weep 
In secret o'er your own and other's sins. 
Sin, death, and sorrow, w ill expire at once 
Before the brightness of your Saviour's smile, 
When he, for your complete salvation, comes. 
Think on that day^ — ye who in secret wark 
Such horrid deeds, as nature's face will blush 
To see uncovered, and exposed to light. 



BOOK III. MADE MANIFEST. SI 

No covering but his blood and righteousness. 
Who dj'd to save his people from their sins, 
Will hide one crime from open day -light then. 
Think too, ye great and learn'd, who despise 
The lowly saints, on that decisive day. 
Your greatness theii, and learning, must be 

weigh'd 
In the fair balance of impartial trtith, 
W^hen you behold True Greatness on the 

throne, 
Gracious as just, and just as merciful. 
Think, ye self-righteous, on that aw ful day— - 
W ho dress for judgment in your self-w rought 

robes. 
And scorn the mention of a Saviour's name : 
W hose ears, averse to evangelic strains, 
Like the deaf adders, shut out every note 
Which bears the balm of mercy on its sound ; 
Nothing so perfectly displeases you 
As sovereign grace : for even truth divine, 
With all its train of solid evidence. 
Gives no offence to piety like yours ; 
But when (reproving your self-righteous pride. 
And pointing you to Caiv'ry) it proclaims 
This glorious nev/s, ' Salvation is of Grace.' 
No name so grates on your censorious ears 



83 GRACE AND TRUTH BOOK III. 

As that of Jesus — and that never sounds 

So harsh, as when redemption by his blood 

Rises sublime, the ghjry of the song. 

What will you do wlien every knee shall bow 

Submissive down before his awful throne. 

And ev'rv tons'ue confess him Lord of all ? 

AVhat will Tou do. when all the ransom^ race 

Cast at his feet their radiant diadems. 

And crown him m ith immortal shouts of praise ^ 

All heav'ii agrees to moke his glorious name 

The highest note in its immortal song : 

And when that song commences in full choir, 

^^'hen happv myriads, rising from the tombs. 

Join the celestial harmony of praise : 

To him you must give glory — or. alas ! 

Far other strains will hud you sad employ, 

AVitliOiit one change of subject to divert 

Your gioemy thoughts, while endless ages roll. 

Confess him then — renounce your self -wrought 

claim 
To endless life, and seek his mercy now 
^^ Iiile life remains, and mercy may be found ; 
Lest when he comes, in all his glorious pow'r, 
Von should in vain intreat the rocks and hills 
To lend vou shelter from his a^ful frown. 
Thus speaks the Saviour now (who on that day 



BOOK III. MADE MAJflFEST. 8.3 

Will speak in other language*) ' Come to me. 
Ye weary heavy laden sinners, come. 
And I will give you rest. Come, learn of me. 
For I am meek and lowly. Take my yoke, 
And wear it, for 'tis easy to i\\Q^ soal 
Who puts it on by faith : and will be found 
No burden, but a precious privilege 
To him who bears it out of love to me.' 
Love to the Saviour makes obedience sweet ; 
But till we love, we never serve him right. 
Saints are no slaves, but willing servaids all • 
When Christ commands they look to him foi' 

strength. 
And run where'er he bids them with delight. 
Want what they may, in him they find supply 
Which never fails them in a time of need. 
While in his faithfulness alone they trust, 
And on the fulness of his mercy live, 
All things together v. ork to do them good. 
AlTiietions, when the Saviour by his smile 
Supports the Christian, bring him health of 

soul ; 
And often shut him up from cares aiKi toil? 
Of little worth, to give him liberty, 
In holy meditation, prayer, and praise : 
In these he rises to immortal scenes., 



^4} GRACE AND TRUTH BOOK III. 

And views In prospect liis inheritance 

Laid up in heaven, and sure to be enjoy 'd 

Without one fear to all eternity. 

Yea, peace and calm contentment, while he 

waits 
For future glory, crown his present lot 
Who dies to sin, and lives a life of faith. 
But whence this precious faith ? and how ob- 

tain'd ? 
'Tis not in man, nor of him, but the gift* 
Of God, who sends his gracious Spirit dowrt 
To fill the realms above with holy guests, 
Selected from the sinful race of man. 
And taught by him the knowledge of them- 
selves. 
And of their gracious Lord, who thus delights 
To honour and deliver whom he will. 
No other teacher knows the mind of Christ ; 
Nor can his mind communicate, like him 
Who is with Christ, and with his Fatlier, one.f 
This is the Spirit which of old came down 

* By grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not 
qF yourselves, it is the gift of God. Eph. ii. 8. 

f For there are three that bear record in heaven, the 
Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three 
are one. 1 John v. 7. 



BOOK III. MADE MANIFEST. 8^ 

On wings of love, and taiiglit the pa.triarchs first 
To wa,lk with God on earth, and wait for heav'n. 
By his bright rays enlighten'd, they could pierce 
Through ail the tract of time that intervened 
Before the great Redeemer put on flesh. 
And made atonement for his people's sin. 
They view'd him as their Surety ; and by faith 
Liv'd on his fulness, trusted in his word, 
And triumph'd in his power to conquer sin, 
With death and hell in league. They saw liis 

day,* 
Though it v^as then far off; and in the end. 
And glory, of his coming oft rejoic'd, 
In holy meditation, or in song ; 
When, on the map of prophecy pourtray'd, 
The Saviour's beauty, dignity, and love, 
Plain to their heav'n illumined eyes appeared. 

This is the Spirit which by Moses spake. 
And all succeeding prophets down to John* 
Who came, Elijali like, alone from God ; 
Like him reprov'd a nation, or a king. 
With equal courage; and aloud proclaimed 

* Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my dsiv \ antf 
lie sa"W^ it, .^ad was g'lad. John viii, 56. * 
H 



^6 GRACE AND TRUTH BOOK Ilf. 

His coming Lord, the enemy of sin. 
From HIM the bless'd apostles caught that flame 
Of zeal and love for the Redeemer's cause, 
Which bore them up, superior to the frowns 
Of angry nations or opposing kings. 
The glory of that memorable day, 
Call'd Pentecost,* was of this Spirit's po'.ter 
A manifest display ; and since that day 
The saints, in every age and every place, 
Have, by his mighty influence on their hearts^ 
Aspir'd to glory, and disdain'd the world. 
The world and Christ were then at enmity ; 
He gain'd no footing but by pow'r divine, 
Divinely exercis'd, — Nov think that thou. 
Whoe'er thou art that wouldst his servant be^ 
Canst have two masters. t If thy darling sin 
Find harbour in thy breast, the heavens are* 

brass 
Above thy head, and deaf Jehovah's ear 
To all thy supplications. — ^Christ and sin, 
Y/ithin one soul, can never rule at once. 

* See the second chapter of Acts. 
f No servant can serve two masters : for either he \vll( 
hate the one, and love the other ; or else he will hold to- 
the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God 
and mammon. Luke xvi. 13. 



BOOK III. MADE MANIFEST. $7 

This lesson must be (hard as it may seem) 
Learnt in the heart, and wrought into the life, 
Where this omniscient Teacher fills the soul 
With light from heav'n, and love to God and 

man. 
No mortal eye has seeri, no ear has heard, 
Nor heart of man conceived, what wond'rous 

things 
God has prepared for those that love his name,* 
But this almighty Spirit makes them known 
To all the heirs of promise. He unfolds 
The deepest mysteries of grace and truth, 
W hich from the world^s foundation have been 

hid 
In the Lamb's book of life : which none can read 
Till he unseals it, and within their hearts 
Transcribes from thence their highly favour 'd 

names. 
This secret of the Lord is with his saints,t 
And only with them, as by him reveaPd, 
Who makes them saints by his almighty grace. 
But still the sacred word of truth remains 
The medium of their know ledge. By that word. 
With power di 4 ine attended, life from God 

* 1 Cor, ii. 9. f Psalm xxv. 14. 



SS GRACE AND TRUTH BOOK III. 

First entersj and awakes tlieir torpid souls 
To blissful immortality in Christ. 
Their eyes by him enlighten'd see the dawn 
Of giory in the gospel ; and tlieir ears. 
Opened by him, receive the gracious voice* 
Which, from the Word, invites them back to 

God, 
While kindly it reproves their wand'ring feet. 
By his bright beams, who fiiPd the sun with 

light. 
And gave the stars their lustre. God in Christ 
Is seen by man ; — omnipotent to save, 
Just to his law, and gracious through his Son. 
No meaner light can make this truth appear 
In its fail glory to the sinner's mind. 
Than his, whose all -creating power commands 
Whatever he wills into its sure effect. 
Such is the Spirit's work in fallen man. 
That he who knows it, is new-born from heav'n; 
God is his Father by a stronger bond, 
And dearer than creation knows beside. 
'Tis not conviction fixt upon the mind 
By reason, with a logical effect. 
Through the clear statement cf revealed truth, 

* John x. 2r, 28- 



BOOK III. MADE ^MANIFEST. 89 

That works conversion. These are but the 

means ; 
Pow-r is Jehovah's, — He that lives to God 
Is a new creature, and that word implies 
Creatini^ pow'r exerted on the mind, 
New-modeiiing the heart, conq'ring the will. 
And with new light illuming all tlie man. 
Nor is creation ail — The pow'r which gives, 
Must still maintain and feed the life of grace 
With food immortal, and with living streams; 
For life divine requires celestial cheer 
To keep its vigour warm, and to renew 
Its holy action and its pure delight. 
The sons of Gcd, by his adopting love, 
Are by his vSpirit led. Where Wisdom walks, 
In paths of truth, and Rigliteousness, and Peace; 
"^['here they walk too, who learn at Wisdom's 

lips 
^rhelr heavenly Father's will. No heavy task, 
But a sweet exercise of vigorous powers ; 
The pleasant work of well-instructed choice^ 
is their obedience v, ho are born of God. 
But the chief glory of the Spirit's work 
Is to reveal the Saviour, and in him 
Jehovah's name complete. ' He,' said the Lord-, 
^ Shall take of mine and shew it unto you.' 
H 2 



ftO GRACE AND TRUTH BOOK III. 

He leads the trembling sinner to tlie cross. 
And tliere explains the mysteries of love 
Which have been hid from ages. In that scene, 
Where Truth and Mercy, Peace and Justice 

meet; 
The humbled soul, by him instructed, views 
The brightness of Jehovah's holy name 
In ail its awful splendour : while the stains 
Of deep pollution, which disgrace his owu, 
Appear in all their aggravated guilt. 
With a strange mixture of delight and pain 
He contemplates the conflict sharp and strong 
Of Jesus, prostrate in Gethsemane, 
Press'd with the weight of his dread Father's 

wrath ; 
Wrestling in agony, till the big sweat, 
Like drops of blood, bedewing all the ground. 
Bursts in a show'r of sorrow from his soul. 
Through all his trembling members : while his 

prayers, 
Utter'd with piercing cries and flowing tears, 
Yet all submission to his Father's will. 
Obtain no answer, but supporting strength, 
Sent by an angePs hand, that he might bear, 
Not that he might escape, the punishment, 
By God's just sentence, due to his elect. 



B(50K III. MADE MANirKST. 91 

Here lie perceives that God sliews no respect 
To persons, wlien his justice claims its due. 
Here he reflects how great must be his sin 
That needed such atonement ! If the Son, 
In whom the Father view'd himself complete. 
CoJild not obtain exemption from the cursr^, 
AYhen once he made the sinner's place his owu. 
Where will the sinner stand, that comes to God 
^Vith the vain hope that sin may find excuse 
In the firm bosom of the rii^htcous Judge ? 
Then from the gloomy garden to the cross, 
In solemn silence and witli fixt ainaze 
The sinner follows, by the Spirit led : 
And taught by liim. explores the depths and 

heights 
Of God's eternal wisdom, trutli, and grace. 
In Jesus given to die, he views God's love : 
In Christ self-given, redeeming goodness sliines. 
la Jesus scorn \1, he sees the shame of sin ; 
In Jesus slain, he ponders siirs desert. 
In Jesus raisVl, he views the pow*r of grace ; 
And in the Saviour seated on his throne 
At God's right hand, he sees an open way 
From sin's dominion to the reign of grace : 
And soon, when taught by sovereign grace, he 

finds 
This path leads on to glory and to God. 



^2 ORACE AND TRUTH BOOK III. 

This is the light which shines from heav*n 
to earth, 
And shews the only v/ay from earth to Iieav'n. 
Jesus, the Surety, answers God the Judge ; 
Jesus, the spotless Lamb, once sacrificed, 
The sacred Altar and the Holy Priest, 
Stands in Jehovah's presence as the Way, 
The Truth, and Life, in one. Whoever comes 
To Mercy's door, in his prevailing name. 
And asks admittance for his sake alone, 
Shall find access to God within the vail, 
And entrance into life. Draw near, my soul, 
I'he door stands open to the eye of faith. 
Here seek forgiveness ; and the peace of God, 
Like precious balm, diffusing health of soul. 
Will heal thy conscience of the wounds of sin* 
Here seek acceptance, and his righteousness, 
Clothing thy person as a princely robe. 
Shall fit thee for the royal court of heaven. 

This is the Man whose praise I sing; the 

God, 
Whose dreadful glories, and whose mercies mild,^ 
As in th' exalted Man they meet and shine. 
With reverence I describe. This is the Lord, 
Whose presence fills the throne of bliss, and 

claims 



BOOK III. MADE MANIFEST. OS 

Obedience from surround ing serapliim. 
Tliis is the Judge, whose frown, where it is felt. 
C reates a hell of terror in the soul : 
The All-sufficient, whose effulgent smiles 
Make heav'n itself complete, while thro' the 

man 
Tlr eternal Godhead darts his awful beams, 
Till o'er their faces their ambrosial wings 
Archangels spread, unable to behold 
The blaze of his perfections, as they meet 
In the redemption of mankind by man ! 
This is the Sun of Righteousness, w hose light 
Throws into shades the blazing orb of day ; 
\t hose beams convey the means of life to all 
That breathe on earth: for his p.uspieious rays 
Shed life immortal on immortal minds, 
And fill the soul, where only darkness dwelt, 
With everlasting beams of heavenly light. 
Nor does the muse, up -borne on Fancy's wing. 
Of truth lose sight. The word of truth itself 
Echoes, or rather is th' unerring voice. 
The muse, aspiring, fain would echo through 
The list'ning world — but sinks beneath her 
mi^ theme. 

This is the Lord, whose voice omnipotent 
Makes the deaf sinner hear, calls from the grave 



94^ GRACE AND TRUTH BOaK III. 

The moukPriiig dead, and quickens wliom he 

will. 
Nor does it rest with man to be redeemed. 
Or perish, at his pleasure. No, the pow 'r 
Of God's right arm is equal to his love ; 
And whom he loves he conquers. Not one friend 
Has Christ remaining in the human soul. 
The gates of understanding to expand, 
Or strike the sin-dy'd colours of the will, 
When at his word the gospel-trumpet sounds 
The summons to surrender. Dead in sin 
He finds them ail ^ and so they had remained, 
Till wrath divine had prov'd their living grave. 
Had invitation only reach'd their ears. 
And pow'r almighty left their hearts untouched. 
But for the free, the sovVeign pow^r of grace. 
Never had happy angels said Amen 
To that sweet anthem, ' Worthy is the Lamb ;' 
Or paus'd complacent in the song sublime, 
While saints, that once were sinners, rais'd 

alone 
One note beyond them, ' He was slain for us.' 
Had man been left to his perverted will, 
The gracious tenders of Redeeming Love 
Had been with scorn rejected, till, incensed, 
The Majesty of heav'n li?id shut them up 



BOOK III. HADE MANIFEST. 95 

In one eternal prison. Ent tlie word 
Of trutli proclaims it; and the saints have found. 
By sweet experience, that 'tis true indeed, 
^ Thy people shall be w iiling in the day 
Of thy resistless pow'r.' The Saviour comes 
In his triumphal chariot, pav\l with love, 
By skill and purity divine in\^ rought, 
Cioth'd in a vesture dipt in his own blood, 
Drawn swiftly %y Affection's milk-white steeds, 
Arm'dwith Omnipotence, girt round with Truth; 
His head with Mercy, like a rainbow, crovv n'd : 
And with that voice which said, ' Let there be 

_ light,' 

And light there was^ says, ' Sinner, yield to me ; 
To me at once, without conditions, yield. 
For I have ransoni'd thee with my own blood : 
Thy name is deep engraven on my hands, 
And deeper still recorded in my heart.' 
The soul, astonisli'd at his wond'rous love, 
\nA trembling at the glory of his pow 'r. 
Cries out, ' What wilt thou. Lord, that I should 

do ?' 
* Believe on me,' the Saviour ansv/ers mild, 
' And thou by me shalt live.' Conquer'd by 

grace, 
Down sinks the soul, love-wounded. (Wound- 
ed so, 



%6 GRACE AND TRUTH, &C, BOOK III. 

Forever, and forever, let me be ! 

The sword wliieh gives the wound, a balm con- 
veys 

That heals the wound it makes.) Who would 
not fall 

By such a conqueror ? Who that ever felt 

The pow'r, the sweetness of redeeming love ? 

Now he who dy'd to save, and lives to make 

The wonders of his great salvation known^ 

Becomes the ransom d sinner's all in all. 

Heav'n now begins within his mind to dawn ; 

Hell groans with disappointment at the sight- 



E'N'D OF THE THIRD BOOK. 



BOOK IV. THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN, &C. 97 



BOOK IV. 

The young christian described by his 
experience. 



ARGUMENT. 

The transforming effects of viewing the cross of Christ.— * 
The Christian pilgi'im travelling on with heaven in 
vietv. — How pleasant a breeze from heaven to such a 
traveller. — The danger of unwatchfulness in such a 
path. — The good effects of a renewed sense of for- 
giveness. — Christ, all in all, to such a one. — Every 
Christian must carry his cross ; which is profitable, 
though not pleasant. 



Deliverance thus bestow'd, and the lost soul 
Recovered by the Saviour's conquering arm^ 
And laid a willing captive at his feet; 
What isaCnRisTiAN? Draw the curtain back; 
1'he curtain of obscurity, which hides 
The lovely wonder from the public eye ; 
And, unembellish'd, let the saint appear 
In all the sweet simplicity of grace, 
I 



6s THE YOUKG CHRISTIAN B. IV. 

Unveil his beauties, nor liis failings hide ; 
Let liim in sunshine walk, and under clouds 5 
The soldier fighting with unequal foes, 
1 et conquering by his Captain's word, display. 
The pilgrim, burden'd as he walks, describe, 
And bearing up beneath a weight of cares ; 
Yet more concerned for holiness than ease : 
More earnest at the throne of grace, for strength 
His cross to bear with Christian fortitude, 
Than for deliv'rance from its ponderous weights 
Display the Christian in his public walks, 
His social converse, and his private hours, 
His joys unspeakable, his deep distress, 
His views of mercy, and his sense of sin : 
And paint the ransomed sinner in his car 
Of love divine, ascending through the skies, 
And shouting, as he goes, Redeeming Grace. 

Born from above, and up to glory bound, 
When oiice the soul, restored by sovereign grace? 
Begins to live anew, these signs appear : — 
The man that w as, is now no longer deaf 
To sweet Redemption's heart-reviting sound 3 
Tlie man that w as, is liow no longer blind 
To the Redeemer's beauties ; now no more 
Ashani'd of those that follow him on earth* 



^. IV. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 9fl 

Though by the rebel-world esteem'd as base.* 
Old things are past away — all things to him 
As new -created seem ; he sees himself 
Another creature than he once appeared; 
New hopes, new fears, new sorrows, and new 

joys. 
Expand, depress, and warm his heart by turns. 
Deliver'd from the reigning pow 'r of sin. 
With sin he goes to war, and hopes at length. 
Though weaker than his potent enemy. 
By strength deriv'd from his almighty Lord, 
A full and final conquest to obtain ; 
Yet, as this foe dwells in him, oft he feels 
Sharp contest in his soul, and sometimes fears 
He may by sin be overcome at last. 
But, when such fears no longer cloud his mind, 
When love divine looks thro' the threat'ning 

storm. 
And to his labouring conscience whispers peace; 
His eyes on Calvary fixt, and streaming dov/n 
With sorrow for the sins that pierc'd his Lord — 
His Lord, who dy'd that he might ever live ; 

* The world hath hated them, because they are not of 
the world, even as I am not of the world. John xvii. 14. 

We are made as the filth of the world, the off-scour^ 
ing of all thmgs, unto this day. 1 Cor. iv. 13, 



dOO THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN B. IV. 

His melting heart with grateful zeal inquires, 
What he shall do to manifest his love 
To him who thus has lov'd him ; what to praise 
The grace that pluekt him as a brand from hell ? 
Remembering his past life^ his broken vows. 
The aggravated and repeated sins, 
From which his laboring conscience, just set free. 
Finds sweet deliv'ranee and unhop'd-for peace ; 
He feels he can do nothing, but looks up 
To him who first releas'd him, to incline 
To sweet obedience all his ransom'd powers, 
And carry on the work himself began, 
Till grace is crown'd with glory ; till, his heart 
From sin set free, and all his foes destroyed, 
He stands a conqVer on that happy shore 
Where sin and sorrow never can approach. 

Thus on his way he goes ; and on his way 
Well may he go, since he that made him strong 
Has promisM him of strength a fresh supply 
Whenever he shall ask it. On his way 
He sings, exulting in his Saviour's cross- 
Exulting in the power that made him strong ; 
And, while he feels Omnipotence his shield, 
And sees the Sun of Righteousness his light, 
He fears no dangers 5 but, with dauntless front, 



B. IV. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 101 

Can face the fiercest dragons of the pit. 
And round him hear the hellish lions roar, 
Nor tremble at the sound. His peace and hop<> 
Are founded on a rock, which hellish rage 
Can never shake— ^the promise of his God. 

No hills, no vallies, can his path impede, 
No flow'ry scenes divert him from his way. 
Or check the rapid progress cf his feet. 
While heav'n is in his eye. He rushes on 
Well arm'd, and much encourag'd to withstand 
Whatever may oppose ; and as he sees 
More of himself, and of his Saviour more. 
The more he wonders at the matchless love 
Which chose so vile a sinner to display 
The riches and the pow'r of sovereign grace! 
And wonders at himself, that he should sit 
So long in darkness gross, without one ray 
Of heavenly light, or one good thought of 

Christ ; 
Without one just reflection on his state, 
Or one heart-sprung petition for release 
From the dark dungeon of Jehovah's w rath ' 
Yet such he knows his past condition was 5 
And such is the condition of the world, 
Wide as it is, till light from Christ arise, 
I 2 



102 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN B. IV. 

And scatter mental darkness from the mind. 
And while he looks with holy wonder back 
To the dread precipice of ire divine. 
Which lately hung impending o'er his head, 
Threatening destruction to his guilty soulj 
Can he forbear a song of gratitude ? 
Can he forbear to shout, ' Not unto me, 
Not unto me, O Lord, but to thy name, 
Kternity throughout, be all the praise,' 
And can he look without concern on those 
That still in the same dreadful case remain ? 
Their sins are frequent sources of his sighs ; 
The subjects of his frequent pray'rs, their 

souls : 
For well he knows — what they, alas, know 

not — i 
That sin's the certain road to death and hell, 
And Christ the only way that leads to heav'n. 
Nor can he see them rush, with one consent, 
Impetuous down to everlasting flames, 
And eager to be damned, but he's constrain'd 
To warn them of their danger, and with tears 
Untreat them, as himself has done, to flee 
For shelter to the bleeding Saviour's arms : 
While they, perhaps, his warnings and his tears 
Alike despising, turn their backs on heav'n,* 



3. IV. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE, 108 

And speed their way the more : their way they 

take, 
And he his path pursues. To heav'n, alone^ 
He'd rather go, than in a crowd to hell. 

And, O, how vast are his new-born desires, 
When from the everlasting hills a breeze. 
Fraught with the spicy odours of the place 
To which he hastens, fills his vig'rous mind, 
And wafts him on its soft, its welcome, m ings, 
A fragrant earnest of his future bliss ! 
His crown before him, and the world behind ; 
Jlis heart in heav'n, and his chief treasure there; 
What can, what should, divert him ? He can 

pierce, 
By faith's keen eye, thro' intervening time, 
And view, as o'er a narrow neck of land, 
Eternal blessedness not far before ! 
He smells the full-blown flow'rs of Paradise, 
And from the Spirit's gracious hand receives 
Oft-times a foretaste of its precious fruit. 
He sees the pearly gates and golden spires. 
Where, in his own magnificence, resides 
The King of Grace, and keeps, with all his 

saints, 
The court of heav'n, the palace of the skies, 



104! THE YOtfNG GHRISTIAM B. IV, 

Well miglit the prophets shout,* when they 

foresaw, 
And under influence divine foretold, 
What prospects should engage the hearts and 

eyes 
Of ransom d sinners on their way to heav'n. 
A¥ell might the great apostle, when he stood 
Beneath the rays of his ascended Lord, 
And saw the dapths of wisdom infinite, 
Of sov'reign favour, and eternal love. 
Roll in one vast profound, exclaim with av»e, 
' O, the unsearchable designs of God ! 
His depths of wisdom, v^ ho can find them out !'t 

Such is the path the happy pilgrim treads, 
Wl-i^e he the holy precepts of his Lord 
Delights to ponder; while in all the ways 
Of Zion^s children, constant and sincere, 

* Sing", O ye heavens, for the Lord bath done it : 
shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break for ih into 
singing ye mountams : O forest, and every tree therein : 
for .he Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself 
in Israel. Isaiah xliv. 23. 

t O, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and 
knowledge of God ! How unsearchable are his judg- 
ments, and his ways past finding out ! Rom, xi. 33. 



B. IV. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 105 

He walks with prudence. But, if once lie slight 
Fair Wisdom's* aid, presuming he is strong, 
And needs no guide, the fatal consequence 
Soon, to his sorrow, he is left to feel. 
His Lord, who dy'd to save him from his sins, 
With sin at enmity, forbears to smile 
When he forgets V obey : and sharp reproof 
Dwells on his lips, while from his awful eye 
Impending lightening ready seems to dart 
Its angry blaze through his polluted soul. 
Yea, that he may be humbled, and perceive 
The evil of his sin, his Lord permits 
(With bounded rage) his conquer'd enemy 
To rush upon him, with infernal roar. 
His hellish jaws expanding. Shook with fear. 
And filFd with shame, to heav'n for help he 

cries, 
And humbly asks, in his Redeemer's name, 
The sovereign balm of mercy, to assuage 
The anguish which his wounded conscience 

feels. 
Thus timely to a sense of folly brought, 
His Lord, who never turn'd away his ear 
From humble supplication, heals his wounds, 

* I Wisdom dwell with Prudence. Prov. viii. 12- 



106 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN B lY. 

And plucks him from the fiend's devouring jaws : 
For Satan to his den for shelter flies. 
Whenever Judah's Lion looks abroad. 

Then, to his joy, the rescued Christian finds 
The righteous hand that wounds in faithfulness. 
In faitiif Illness can heal, More of his name. 
As just and kind, he in his conduct reads, 
And more his name adores. Then on his way 
He walks again : but then with cautious feet 
Kis way pursues, lest he again should fall. 
But, O, how much he blames himself, that he 
Against so kind a Sov'reign should transgress^ 
To serve a potentate,* so vile as sin ! 
Less ready to forget, than his kind Lord 
To pardon what was wrong, he grieves for sii^s 
He knows he shall not die for ; and his path 
Wets. ct3 he walks, with tears of penitence. 

Now he begins to feel devendence swell. 
As well as safetu when the worth he sees 
Of an atonement which revolving time 

* Know ye not that to wiioin ye yield yourselves ser- 
vants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; 
vv'hether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto rigbte- 
ousness I Rom. vi. 16. 



B» IV. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. l07 

Cja.n never lessen. \Yhile he hates the sins 
That pierc'd his Lord, his Lord he loves the morej 
Who could those aggravated sins remits 
Now he perceives how permanent the rock 
On which his hope he builds ; nor fears the storms^ 
That may in future rise, should e'er destroy. 
Though oft they may disturb, his well-built 

peace. 
Much rumination now his mind employs : 
He ponders as he steps, assur'd of heav'n, 
Because he knows the promise Cannot fail ;* 
Yet much concerned to be for heav'n prepar'd. 
Because he knows no sin can enter there, f 
With watchful eye his Lord's commands he 

marks : 

* Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word 
shall not pass away. Laike xxi. 33. 

God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs 
of promise the immutability of his coimsel, confirmed it 
by an oath : that, by two immutable thmg-s, in wJiich it 
was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong 
consolation, who have fled for reiuge to lay hold upon 
the hope set before us ; vihich hope we have as an an- 
chor of the soul, both sure and stedfast. Keb. vi. 17 — 19. 

f And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing 
that defileth, neither v/hatsoever Vv'orketli abomioations 
or m^keth a lie. Fcv, xxi. 2T> 



108 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN" B. IV. 

His jealousy's proportion'd to his love. 
Clirist's preseneej as the apple of his eye^ 
Tender^ as well as precious, he esteems : 
And oft as danger threatens him, looks up, 
'Twixt fear and hope, to that Almighty hand 
Which dropt the balm of peace into his heart : 
Nor ever looks in vain. — Jehovah's ear 
Is always open to his children's cry. 
No enemy can intercept the flight 
Of supplication on its way to God. 
For he who gives desire its seraph wings 
Guards it to heav'n, and, rapid as its course^ 
Brings down an answer to the w ailing saint. 
Then who can speak the high serene delight, 
That kindles in his heart, w hile he from heav'n 
A token of his Father's love receives, 
And knows it is his heav'nly Father's voice 
That says, ' Sufficient is my grace for tlieeJ^ 

Christ is in ail his thoughts: with him he 
walks 
The live-long day ; and, when he lays him dow n. 
Entreats his watchful presence thro' the night 5 
Sleeps sw eetly on the pillow^ of his peace. 
And. w akiiig, seeks communion with his Lord, 
As his best portion thro' the opening day. 
Christ is his Morning Star, and Christ his Sun ; 



B. IV. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 109 

His day begins wben he begins to smile, 
His night when Jesus frowns. Of him he talk? 
With sacred rapture, while his dying love 
(Shed richly by the Spirit on his heart) 
Constrains his tongue to speak I with heartfelt 

sighs, 
When he the Vacuum of his absence feels. 
So large a room has Jesus in his heart, 
That none beside can fill it ; none beside 
Can raise a spark of true enjoyment there. 
No hand can bless like his that bliss creates ; 
No lord can rule like him that rules by love ; 
No king can govern like the King that sways 
A righteous sceptre o'er a conquered heart. 
He gives indeed, that gives away himself! 
How great the gift, then, when the Lord of bliss 
Himself bestows, the creature's bliss to erowfl ! 
That gift bestow'd, the giver must be dear ; 
That gift received, the giver must be lov'd ; 
And love alone can make obedience sweet. 
Yet is this gift essential, though so great, 
To pure delight in an immortal mind. 
Immortal hopes alone are fit to expand 
The mind that is immortal. Nothing less 
Can satisfy or fill it ; nothing more 
Is needful to employ its noblest powVs. 
K 



110 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN B. IV. 

Yet, though no words can paint the Christian's 

Miss 
In its true colours, while he walks with God, 
And draws his comfort from celestial springs .; 
Each humble follower of the Lamb of God 
Must, as the Lord's disciple, bear his cross : 
And pass through tribulation to his crown. 
Faith has to do with things invisible, 
And must be prov'd superior to the world, 
By patient suffering, and by lively hope, 
'Midst all the changes of the present state. ♦ 
AYitness the man who laid aside his crook 
To hold the sceptre o'er the chosen tribes ; 
But first the persecuting frowns endur'd 
Of his proud predecessor. Though of God 
Belov'd, and calPd one after his own heart ; 
His cross he bore before he wore his crown. 
And pass'd thro' many a storm, ere he attained 
The calm possession of his souPs desire. 
And witness patient Job, who lov'd the Lord 
More than his sons, his daughters, or his wealth ; 
Yet all his wealth, and sons, and daughters, lost 
In one sad day, and bless'd the sovereign hand 
That gave him all, and took his all away. 
' But skin for skin,' says Satan, ' will the man 
\Yho loves the Lord, when outward comforts die, 



B. IV. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIEJTCE. Ill 

Love him when all his flesh, with racking pain. 
Shudders upon his bones ? When sore disease. 
And deep iife-threat'ning wounds, his limbs de- 
form, 
Will he not gnash, with anguish keen, his teeth, 
And curse the God that made him ? Or, at least. 
Will he not cease to bless him, while he feels, 
From his inflicting hand, tortures like these ?* 
Let Satan reason thus, for it befits 
His character, his conduct, and his place. 
But such infernal reasons have no weight 
With him who serves, because he loves the 

Lord, 
The Christian knows that sin affords no balm 
To heal the wounds it causes. God alone 
Has power to heal, an\l sin alone has pow'r 
To wound intelligence with conscious guilt. 
No drop of blood had ever stain'd the earth. 
From murd'rous, slaughtering, or sacrific knife 
Had sin had no existence ; guilt and fear. 
Death's worst attendants, from the monster sin 
Had their first birth, and with that monster die. 

As much as other men the Christian feels 
That pain is pain, but not like them behaves. 
The sorrow of the world works only death : 



±12 THE YOUN^G CHRISTIAN B- it^ 

But sorrow, when divine instruction blends 
Therewith her useful lessons, mends the heart. 
The trouble, therefore, a believer feels. 
Is far superior to the worldling's joys. 
It yields him fruit, tho' set with pricking thorns^ 
And richly pays him for the smart he feels, 
In growth of patience, and of prudence too. 
All things conspire to work the Christian's good^ 
\\ liich makes him willing all things to endure, 
While in his eye the end of all he keeps. 
Yes, he can bear his Father's chast'uing rod, 
Laid on the flesh, without a murm'ring thought : 
Nor cease to bless him, while beneath his smile 
His happy spirit basks. Such is the peace 
That God bestows, and by his presence guards. 
But that which most of all the Christian fears, 
And that which most of all, when felt, he 

feels. 
Is when the Holy Spirit, griev'd by sin, 
Leaves him to pore upon the fest'ring wound 
Of a stung conscience. He can bear the pangs 
Of feeble nature struggling with disease ; 
But oh, a wounded spirit ! who can bear ? 
Yet even this, convinced the Lord is just 
In all his ways, some champions have endur'd ^ 
Patient beneath his indignation stood, 



B. IV. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXP£RIENCE. 113 

Knowing his anger burns but for a night* 
And waited for the day -break of his grace. 
Then, after such a night, how bright the morn 
That dawns upon the Christian's waiting mind 1 
The bitter first, and after that the sweet, 
Renders the sweet the sweeter when it comes, 
And by the contrast heightens the delight. 



ElfD 0? THE FOURTH BOOK. 



K. 2 



BOOK V. THE GROWING CHRISTIAN, &C. 115 



BOOK y. 

THE GROWING CHRISTIAN DESCRIBED BY 
HIS EXPERIENCE. 



argu:ment. 

The Christian introduced relating his experience to 
others who fear God. — The sweetness of Christian 
fellowship. — The way of the transgressor is hard. — 
A fresh sense of forgiveness revives the believer's 
hope of glory. — All sincere Christians have not enjoy- 
ments alike. — A caution against erroneous doctrine. — 
The blissful hope, godly jealousy, and holy fortitude, 
of one that lives near to Cod. — A picture of a lively 
and heavenly minded Christian. — A spiritual ecstacy. 
Cloudy days sometimes succeed to such bright sun- 
shine. — A song of Christian gratitude. 

Oft, as the heav'n bound pilgrim on his road 
His fellow travellers to Zion finds, 
(And oft he finds them, for their way is one) 
He asks, with kindness, When their Lord they 

saw ? 
And tells, m hen he was favoiir-d with the sidit. 



116 THE grOwin^g christian Ji. V. 

' Come,* ye that love and fear the Lord,' he says^ 
' And I will tell what he has done for me.'t 
I sought him lost, and he my soul restor'd ; 
I sought him wounded, all my wounds he heaPd| 
T sought him hungry, he my wants supply 'd ; 
Helpless I sought him, to my aid he came, 
And from the lion's paw delivered me. 
I wander'd from him, to my grief and shame; 
?Jy grief and shame he saw with pitying eye, 
x\nd to himself restor'd me^ w ith a smile 
That spoke forgiveness to my trembling heart. 
My trembling heart, when I that pardon felt, 
Was fix'd, Vr as fir'd w ith rapture ! On his love 
i feasted daily ; on his word I lean'd : 
His word was my support : througli it tlie storms 
Y/hieh daily beat upon the pilgrim's head, 
I patiently endur'd ; nor barely stood, 

* Colne and bear, all ye tliat fear God, and I will de* 
ciare what lie hath done for my soul. Psalm Ixvi. 16. 

f In my humble opinion, the churches in our day miss 
much spiritual comfort and edification, by the neg^lect 
of such fellowship one with another as is here described. 
At least, t tna}^ venture to say, I have been almost four- 
teen years a witness of the good effects of such meet- 
ing's, in promoting- unity of spirit, brotlierly love, and 
mutual consolation under trials, 



». V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 117 

But gloried in the hand that held me up, 

And guided all my steps. And while I sought 

No other refuge but my Saviour's name, 

No satisfaction but delight in God, 

No honour but my Lord's approving smile ; 

My days were like the days of lieav'n on earth. 

Each rising morning, on its earliest beams, 

Convey'd instruction to i^j willing mind. 

And taught me to explore the dawn of heav'n. 

Yea, often, ere the morning star had told 

The shining sun's approach, my soaring thoughts 

Beyond creation's bounds had urg'd their flight, 

On faith's aspiring wings, to the third heav'n, 

Where my Redeemer dwells, my Sun and 

Shield, 
My Glory and my Strength : no stranger there, 
But (as a child from home, detain'd a while 
For needful admonition, visits oft. 
With joy, the place where his affections rest) 
Sweet welcome, and refreshment sweet, I found, 
AVith precious tokens of parental lov^e. 
And dearer promises, that soon from earth, 
And earth's employ, my education done, 
I should be calPd to live at home in heav'n ! 
Delight in God, as my eternal All, 
And from him each desire jny heart could frame. 



118 THE GROWING CHRISTIAN B, V. 

Granted at once,* was then my happy lot* 
Meridian day was not my clearest light, 
Nor summer evening my serenest calm ; 
The Sun of Righteousness, that set in blood, 
In glory to arise and set no more ; 
Made my most pleasant morn, my brightest noon, 
Sly calmest evening; and, when night appear'd, 
Ceas'd not to shine, but blest my happy dreams. 
The day renew'd, new favours crown'd the morn, 
And mercies, numberless as moments, mark'd 
The swift revolving hours, happy as long ; 
Still making room for others as they pass'd, 
No less desir'd than they. On golden wings 
My time then fled ; on golden wheels the car 
Of love divine, in which towards heav'n I rode, 
With glory full in view. Sweet on my ear 
Were then the notes of heav'n ; those brilliant 

choirs 
I long'd to join, and shout before the throne, 
To their immortal song, my loud Amen. 
How happy then was I to meet the saints, 
x\nd tell my Saviour's love ! My tongue would 

dwell 
All day with rapture on the pleasing theme : 

* Delig'ht thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give 
tlice the desires of thy heart. Psal. xxxvii. 4. 



B. V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 119 

My ears with pleasure listen to tlie voice 
Of grateful pilgrims, while his praise they sang. 
My Saviour's name w as music to me then : 
And his fair image, when I saw it shine, 
Was beauty in mine eyes ; and on my heart 
The names of those who bore the precious mark 
Were deep engraven. AVitli their flowing tears 
I mingled mine ; and when their hearts with joy 
Exulted, and the rapid wings of praise 
Bore up their thanks to heav'n, their song was 

mine. 
Rapture akin to theirs, when they were glad, 
Beat thro' my leaping heart, and told how sweet 
The fellowship* must be of saints above. 
These I esteem'd the only excellent! 
That earth could boast : with these my fleeting 

days, 
Tliat yet below remain, I fain would spend : 
With these, upon the everlasting hills, 

* Behold how good and how pleasant it is for breth- 
ren to dwell together in unity — as the dew of Hermon, 
and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of 
Zion : for there the Lord commanded the blessing", even 
life for evermore. Psal. cxxxiii. 1, 3. 

t The saints that are in the earth, the excellent, in 
whom is all my delight. Psal. xvi. 3. 



±20 THE GROWING CHRISTIAN B. V* 

I hope to join the last triumphant song, 

' To him that lov- d us, and in his own blood 

Wash'd us from guilt, and sav'd us from our sins 5 

To him, throughout his own eternity. 

Be praise as boundless as his righteous reign.' 

With these, till that bright period, I would learn 

Submission to my Father's chast'ning rod ; 

Delight in prompt obedience to his will ; 

Hatred to sin, w hieh crucified my Lord ; 

The beauty of that law my Lord obeyed ; 

And how unfit the best of creatures are 

To fill a mind created to enjoy 

The friendship of the infinite Supreme. 

But ah ! these lessons I have but begun ! 
For, when the world, with an enticing snare, 
My foolish heart assaiPd, from my best love 
Again I wander 'd. O, how base was I, 
To quit the pillow of eternal peace. 
And seek repose among the thorns of time ! 
At pleasure's flattering call, to turn aside 
From the rich fountain of celestial wine, 
For transient drops of soul-deluding joy, 
Which spread intoxication thro' the mind. 
And spoil its taste for solid happiness ! 
No creature comfort could I then enjoy^ 



B, V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 121 

My best affections, gone astray from God, 
Could find no centre ; but, from thing to thing. 
With restless search, an endless round piirsu'd, 
And still came empty home. How true that 

word, 
'The way which the transgressor takes is hard 1' 
No way so hard as when we take our own. 
How does repentance tread, with bleeding feet 
And throbbing bosom, o'er the rugged path 
Which sin indulged has planted thick with 

thorns. 
Still on my mind, which way soe'er I took, 
My sin waspourtray'd, and my guilt was mark'd 
More deep, because ingratitude was there. 
For this mine eyes have oft witli tears o'er- 

flow'd, • 
And secret groans have shook my aching heart. 
For this my days have oft been wrapt in clouds ; 
In awful shades of guilty fear, my nights : 
For this the faithful servants of my Lord 
(Whose words, in seasons past, were wont ta 

cheer) 
Have smote me sore with arrows of reproof, 
Drawn from the quiver of Jehovah's wordf 
While, on the sound of invitation's voice, 
My Lord, in wisdom, has forborne to smile, 
L 



122 THE GROWING CHRISTIAN . B. T. 

But ! (proclaim it thro' fair Zion^s streets. 
And let the world the joyful tidings hear) 
Forgiveness with the Lord, my Saviour, dwells. 
And mercy waits upon the willing wings 
Of strong desire, before my Father's throne. 
To waft the happy news of pardon down 
To the returning sinner's bleeding heart ! 
Again my Lord his glorious face unveil'd. 
And bid me sin no more. Again I ran 
With ecstasy in wisdom's pleasant patlis ; 
When with his presence he enlarg M my heart ; 
And by his Spirit's pow'r my strength re- 

new'd. 
Now I my way w itli trembling feet pursue, 
Lest with mine eyes or heart I should oSend : 
Or grieve, by sin, my only Friend in heav'n. 
Yet, notwithstanding all my follies past, 
My Lord, without upbraiding, freely still 
Gives like himself, and wins my heart by love. 
And when no snares of sin, or clouds of guilt* 
My feet impede, or check my piercing eye, 
By ftiitli I view the crown for me laid up — 
A crown whose lustre cannot fade away.* 

* IlenceforLh there is laid up for me a crown of righ- 
teousness, which the Lord, the rig'hteous Judge, shall 



t. V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 



123 



By sweet anticipation I behold 
The pearly gates of my last home expand, 
My soul to welcome in ; and hear my Lord 
Pronounce, ' Well done,' (however much I hlush, 
When I look back, to think how short I fall,) 
' Thy work is ended, and thy conflict's o'er. 
Thy sorrows and thy tears I wipe away. 
Thy crown is ready, and thy sea.t in bliss 
Waits thee to fill it. Enter thou the joy 
Of thy triumphant Lord, and reign with me. 
See where thy dear companions wait, w ith love^ 
And shouts of holy joy, to welcome home, 
Thee, their companion late in yonder vale. 
Now fellow heir with them of endless life. 
Go, take thy harp 5 for lo, thy harp is strung, 
And tun'd already, and thy hands are skilPd 
At once to join the hrrmony of heav'n. 
When I thy sorrows bore on yonder iree^ 
Burst thee a passage through the gloomy grave, 
And took for thee my seat on this my throne ; 
I gave thee matter of eternal praise, 

give me at that day : and not to mc only, but unto all 
them also that love his appearing'. 2 Tim. iv. 8. 

Ye shall receive a cro\vn of glory that fadcth not away. 
1 Pet. v. 4. 



±24f THE GROWING CHRISTIAN B. V. 

And praise eternal sliall thy tongue employ, 
While joys immortal fill thy raptiir'd souL' 

I LOVE to think of heav'n, where I shall meet 
My fellow travellers ; and where no more 
With grief or sin my mind will be disturbed; 
Where holy saints and holy angels dwell 
In constant harmony and mutual love. 
But when my heart anticipates the light 
Of God incarnate, wearing on his side. 
And hands, and feet, those marks of love divine 
Which he on Calvary for me endur'd ! 
All heav'n beside is swallow'd up in this: 
And he who is my hope of heav'n below. 
Appears the glory of my heav'n above. 



Such are the raptures high, the conflicts 

strciiig, 
And sweet serene enjoyments, of the men 
That Christians are indeed; that walk with God 
In holy close communion day by day ; 
That work for God, as for their rightful Lord 5 
That seek their daily portion in his love ; 
That after Christ, as their example v alk. 
And live to him as their sublimest end ! 
But some there are who know the Saviour's 

name, 



B. V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPEHIENCE, 125 

Yet never rise so high, nor see so much, 
Nor fight so hard as these, hut often fear 
They have to God, and to his saints, no iove ; 
Because they do not Jove them as they would. 
God is a sovereign, and hestows jiis grace 
On whom, and in what measure, lie sees best. 

Where love exists, without its ohjcct near, 
Jealous anxieties will oft arise : 
And jealousy is criiel as tlie grave. 
And swallows up the feeble Christian's joys, 
Rending, with anguish keen, the tender heart 
I'hat beats with love to God. Anguish, to thee, 
Sin-loving slave, unknown — to gratify 
Passions, unhallow'd, on forbidden tlfl ugs. 
And feel no guilt, is all the heav'n thmi seek^sl : 
And O, tremendous thouglit ! 'tis all the heav'n 
Thou e'ershalt find, while such thy vain pursuit ! 
Poor bliss indeed — and short as it is poor — 
To joy in sin ! for guilt, despair, and death, 
AValk in her train, and hell brings up the rear. 
Nor let the lie of loud-tongu'd error cheat, 
With prospect of release, thy v. and'ring heart. 
Justice bars up the adamantine gates 
Of endless wrath, on all that die in sin; 
And truth and goodness both, the act approve — 
L 2 



126 THE GROWING CHRISTIAN B. V. 

The justice, truth, and goodness of a God 
Immutably the same ! And who can change 
The verdict pass'dby these, or break those bars ? 
The man who feels, and grieves because he feels, 
Sin strong within him, has an evidence 
The careless sinner wants, of love to God. 
Yes, he that trembles at a broken law, 
And fears the curse impending o'er his head. 
Is in more hopeful case, than he who thinks 
Accepted at the bar of God to stand 
For his own righteous deeds. Danger unseen. 
Is like the silent arrow from a bow, 
Which carries, without warning, certain death. 

God sometimes speaks by fire ; on whirlwinds 

sends 
His awffil mandates to the trembling soul. 
Wraps his dark dispensations round in storms 5 
And thunders forth, by powV omnipotent,* 
His sovereign will to man. Then breaks, at 

length, 
With mercy's gentle beams, the threatening 

clouds ; 
And shews the promis'd rainbow round his head : 
But oft'ner whispers with a small still voice, 

* ^ee the case of the jailor. Acts xvL 26, 



B. V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 127 

Silent as niglit, and soft as morning dews. 
His kind instrnctions to the lieav'n-born soul. 
Almiglity povv'r is thus, as manifest 
As in the dreadful storm that rends the skies. 
And swells the deep to mountains. In the rose, 
That scents the vale, as much of God is seen 
As in the sturdy oak that scorns the breeze, 
And firm abides while the fierce north wind 

blows. 
As when the mariner at anchor lies. 
And waits the first fair wind to speed his way 
To his far distant home, he marks each breeze 
That seems his hope to favour. So the soul. 
That much of heav'n on earth enjoys, each 

thought 
Which Godward glides across his mind, secures 
And seizes, blest occasion on the wing. 
Heav'n is his harbour. Not the softest gale 
Blows thitherward, but he, by prayer, expands 
The willing sails of his unfurling pow'rs. 
And gives it all his soul. The 2)recioiis breeze 
Swells round him as he goes ; and on he rides, 
Like a fair vessel with her port in view. 
Under full sail for glory : while the shores 
Ring with harmonious shouts of those that wait 
To hail him welcome to his blissful home. 



128 THE GROWING CHRISTIAN" B. V. 

I CHARGE you tlien, he cries, ye worldly cares, 
And sinful inclinations, by the roes, 
And hinds, that bound alon^ the level plain. 
At the soft sound of each intruder's foot 
Starting, suspicious of an enemy ; 
That ye disturb not him my soul adores, 
While I with him commune — while he with me 
(Amazing condescension !) deigns to talk. 

Then death may shake his arrows : he can sit 
Secure beneath his Lord's protecting eye, 
And smile in contemplation on the change, 
The mortal change, through which he soon 

must pass ; 
And count his treasures in the future state, 
Serenely confident. How many a saint 
Has shouted forth, with his expiring breath. 
The great Redeemer's praise ! triumphant 

leap'd 
Into the monster Death's devouring jaws, 
And made his hollow vaults, while passing thro'. 
With hallelujah's ring ! Thus Stephen dy'd ; 
Thus Polycarp, Ignatius, and the rest 
Of those illustrious worthies, whose great names 
Adorn the page of history, and shine 
Like jewels in the silver lines of truth* 



B. V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 129 

Thus holy Philpot kiss'd the fatal stake, 
And shouted in the flames ! But what were 

these, 
That death so gently should the gates expand, 
Of his dark mansions, to admit them through ? 
Jesus, the Captain of his chosen band. 
Himself has trod the gloomy path before : 
Pluck'd out the sting of death, and in its stead 
Plac'd in his hand an arrow, sharp indeed, 
To cut the strings of life ; but on its point 
]So galling beard of dread convictions left, 
Envenom'd in the poisonous dregs of guilt. 
Dipp'd in the balmy stream of his own blood 
Is its keen point : and Mercy heals the wound, 
While Truth and Justice cut the thread of life. 

Cast, then, your gloomy fears of death aside, 
Ye who the Saviour's holy image bear, 
And for salvation trust in him alone, 
And join the song of these triumphant saints. 
He, who has conquer'd your first enemy, 
And of all enemies the very worst. 
Will, in his own due time, destroy the last.* 



* The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death 
1 Cor. XV. 26. 



130 THE GROWING CHRISTIAN B. V. 

Behold yon tree, wliose lofty spreading 
boughs,* 
Extending wide, at once delight the eye 
With plenteous foliage, and invite the taste, 
Their load to lessen, by a rich repast. 
Hard by the foot of its deep rooted trunk, 
A flowing river winds its crystal waves : 
The fertile soil, not marshy, nor too dry, 
Drinks in the passing stream, and to its root 
Constant conveys the life -supporting sap. 
See, to the north, a friendly ridge of hills, 
Plac'd to defend it from the cutting blast ; 
And, next the south, a wide extended vale 
Welcomes the swelling gale, and gives it room 
To spread and soften o"er the flow'ry banks 
Of the clear sky-refleeting stream, which rolls 
Majestic through its centre. Ev'ry branch 
Bends to the show'r, and sips the precious dew, 
While the broad beams of the meridian sun 
Swell and enrich its deep-enamelPd fruit. 
Such is the Christian, who, like Enoch, dwells 
Xn the pavilion of redeeming love. 
And all the way to glory walks with God. 
Jesus has borne for him the cutting north, 

* Psalm i. 



B. V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 131 

And now his Spirit, like the south wind^ 

breathes 
Refreshing gales of comfort through his soul. 
Round his deep-rooted hope of future bliss 
Eternal love, like a broad river, rolls, 
And fills his heart with joy, his mouth with 

praise, 
And all his pow'rs with bliss unspeakable. 
He drinks instruction, with a quenchless thirst, 
From that full spring of grace : whence issuing 

forth 
Sweet rills of consolation, through his mind 
Almost incessant flow. Thrice happy he 
Whose way to heav'n along this river lies. 
What prospects, what delights, what company, 
Attend, and crown his highly favoured lot ! 
Much he believes beyond what he can see. 
And much he sees beyond what he can tell. 
His thoughts are sunbeams, pure as glowing 

flames ; 
Discerning as the eagle's piercing eye ; 
Active as rolling time's unwearied wheels, 
And vast as heaven's expanse. Earth rolls 

beneath. 
While on the rapid wings of light he flies 
Up to the centre of immortal bliss, 



13^ THE GROWING CHRISTIAN B. T. 

And basks in the full beams of love supreme. 
Butj ah ! not always can the human mind. 
Though born of God, such scenes as these enjoy! 
The happiest reckon these their golden hours. 
And oft lament their absence. Down, alas. 
E'en from the summit of such heights as these. 
The best instructed Christian falls, too oft, 
Into corruption's soul-defiling pit. 
And finds himself by latent pride ensnar'd ! 
Yea, notwithstanding ecstacies so high, 
The liveliest Christian sometimes in his rae& 
Lingers, and, half amus'd by things around. 
Which tend another way, forgets his road; 
Till from his faithful Guide, unseen, yet still 
His path attending, an important thought, 
Less bright than solid, strikes his drowsy 

pow'rs, 
And shews him vast eternity before. 
Approaching on the steady wheels of time, 
And ev'ry moment nearer ; — death and hell 
Appear behind, and dangers all around, 
^ Whence camest thou, and whither doth thou 

go? 
Who brought thee hitherto, and on whose pow'r 

Dost thou for future help and comfort trust ?' 

Close to the ear of conscience, speaks the voic^ 



B. V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 133 

Of him who governs in his people's hearts, 
And outward pomp to speak his pow'r needs 
none. 

Thus, these chilling winds blow from the 

north, 
To blast his rising beauties in the bud. 
The friendly hills, by Wisdom infinite, 
Plac'd near the Christian's path, defend him 

still 
From real harm : while all temptation's storms 
Serve but to shake his graces to the root. 
That deeper they may strike into the Rock 
Whence they their strength derive, and rooted 

fast. 
Grow faster than before. So breaks the Lord 
The crafy head of proud Leviathan, 
And turns to food the poison it contains, 
To make his children wiser ; turns the curse 
To an immortal blessing : working thus, 
Alike by means of enemy and friend. 
The counsel of his own efficient will. 

Then sings the Christian, with instruction 
fed, 

M 



134< THE GROWING CHRISTIAN B. V. 

A,nd clieer'd with wine upon the lees refin'd* 
(The ancient wine of everlasting love,) 
' I will extol thee, O my God and King ! 
Forever will I bless thy sacred name. 
For thou art w ise as just, and just as wise^ 
And merciful as either. All thy name 
Throughout creation, into shades retires, 
Before the glories of thy brighter Word. 
Thy faithfulness to thy eternal Son, 
And to the least of r.ll thy saints, in him, 
Thro' ail thy conduct shines : nor shines tlie least 
Where most my sin abounds. — Shine, gracious 

Lord, 
Henceforth, as hitherto ! while on my way 
Through conflict I advance ; that by thy light 
I may the path of duty still perceive, 
And by thy grace maintain it, till I reach 
The happy land where conflict is no more. 
Then shall I sing thy praises, not as now, 
But as the ransoni'd sins: before thv throne. 
Yet let me see thy glory while on earth.t 

* And in this mountain shall Jehovah of Hosts make 
unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on 
the lees : of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the 
lees well refined. Isaiali xxv. 6. 

f [Moses] said, I beseech thee shew me thy glory. 
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before 



B. V. DESCRIBED BY HIS EXPERIENCE. 135 

O, hide me in the elift of Zion's Rock, 

And let thy goodness pass before mine eyes, 

\Yhile on my God, in human flesh, I gaze. 

The glory of the gospel and the law I 

Deep in the stream of his atoning blood 

My guilty conscience plunge. Deep on my heart 

The beauteous likeness of my Lord engrave. 

In lively letters of celestial gold. 

Write on my memory thy goodness past. 

My present iot, with sweet contentment crown^ 

And let thy promis'd glories, all before, 

Form the vast prospect of my future bliss.' 

Why blooms one tree, in this delightful vale, 
More than another, north of yonder hills ? 
Must friendly mountains, the wide-spreading 
plain, 

thee : and I will proclaim the name of Jehovah before 
thee, and will be gracious to whom T will be gracious ; 
and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And 
Jehovah said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou 
shalt stand upon a rock ; and it shall come to pass, while 
my glory passcth by, that I will put thee in a clift of 
the rock, and I will cover thee with my hand while I 
pass by ; and I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt 
see my back parts, but my fiice shall not be seen. Excel, 
xxxiii. 18—23. 



136 THE GROWING CHRISTIAN, &C. B, Y. 

The flowing river, and tlie swelling breeze. 
The fertile soil, the show'rs, and precious dew, 
With the all-crowning, all-producing sun. 
Share of all this the praise ? Or must the God, 
Who made the sun, who fills the clouds with 

rain. 
Directs the show'rs,both where and when to fall, 
Within his potent hand the north-wind holds, 
And from his boundless treasures sends the 

south 5 
Who fix'd the mountains, and the vallies spread; 
Who form'd, of various qualities, the earth ; 
Who filPd with waters the stupendous deep. 
And taught the fruitful rivers where to flow ; 
Have all the glory ? How much more, of Grace, 
Which in no creature system is contain'd, 
But ever flows, immediate, from himself J 



END OF THE FIFTH BOOK 



BOOK VI. THE CHRISTIAN, &C. 137 



BOOK YI. 

THE CHRISTIAN DESCRIBED BY HIS PRACTICE, 



ARGUI\IENT. 

The amiable disposition of a real Cliristian's heart — . 
Manifested in the character of a master — a servant — 
a husband — a father. — Sufferings and christian sub- 
mission of a bereaved parent. — The riches of a poor 
Christian. — Wiiat tlie rich are in general, and what 
they should be, as Christians. 

Internal evidence assures tlie man 
Wiio feels it, of the power of tnitli divine ; 
And truth divine assures the man who sees 
Its hidden beauties, of a place in heav'n. 
But rich experience will produce rich fruit, 
x\nd holy meditations in the heart. 
Nurtured, will into holy actions spring. 
Thoughts, words, and actions, in one golden 

chain 
Together link'd in harmony, and worn. 
With the becoming grace experience adds, 
Form the best ornament the Christian wears. 
M 2 



loS THE CHRISTIAN B. VI. 

Humble and grateful, cheerful and serene, 
As well at home as when with friends abroad. 
Content with little, or well using much ; 
Kind to the world, and loving in the church. 
In things domestic, prudent ; diligent 
In business, whether lab'ring with his hands, 
Or guiding many by his active mind. 
Sound in his understanding, warm his heart; 
And shining, as the silver moon, his life. 
A Christian's like the rose that drinks the dew. 
And to the sunbeams opens all its folds ; 
Then sheds a grateful fragrance on the w ings 
Of ev'ry gentle breeze which o'er it blows, 
x\nd spreads its varied colours to the sight 
Of each beholding eye ; proclaimii^g thus 
His glory, who sustains the shining sun. 
And sends refreshing morn, and ev'ning dew. 
Often he drinks those flowing streams of life, 
The pure heart-cheering promises of grace, 
And basks in noon-day beams of love divine : 
Then, happy in himself, with gen'rous heart, 
And bounteous hand, diffuses blessings round, 
And makes a little heaven where'er he dwells. 

Is he a Master ? mild in his commands, 
In his rerj[uirements moderate and just. 



fi. VI. DESCRIBED BY HIS PRACTICE. 139 

With gentleness lie rules ; not soon provokM, 
Nor long at once displeas'd. If he reprove, 
He aims at sin — resentment he denies ; 
Nor ever threatens but with special cause. 
Order and peace, handmaids of happiness, 
He constantly maintains, or soon restores. 
If jarring spirits on their bounds intrude. 
Aware of bright example's needful force, 
He shews himself a pattern to his house. 
He knows the man that would with judgment 

rule, 
Must learn self-government. That noble art 
He therefore studies ; marks each wayward bent 
And fretful disposition of his mind, 
And checks it in the bud by sudden prayer, 
Or steady self-denial. Thus he learns 
To soften blame with pity, nor expects 
From others what he finds not in himself. 
Observing daily how his Lord rules him, 
His government he strives to imitate, 
And rules, as much as possible, by love. 
Thus, lion'ring the wise providence of God, 
That sees distinctions needful, he obeys 
More precepts than he utters : serving them 
That are his servants, by his constant care 
Of their jfclicity, as one with his. 



140 THE CHRISTIAN' B. Vt, 

No man can properly Lis lot enjoy, 
Who knows not how to fill it. Think of this, 
Ye who suppose your servants made for you, 
And you for tyrant self. — Conscience will speak 
When servants must not — ^when with little cause 
Your anger fiercely burns, or when too long 
It paints a frown upon your haughty brow ; 
'Twill set on lire your own internal peace, 
And tell you, you've in heav'n, a Jloster too. 
Rule, therefore, kindly, and be serv'd in kind : 
God has ordain'd that like should like produce : 
Obey and be obey'd. Sow the kind seed 
Of tender care for others, and behold. 
From grateful diligence, constrained by love, 
A constant and a plenteous harvest rise. 

Is he a Servant ? with obedient hands 
His master's pleasure daily he performs, 
Rememb'ring all the while he serves his Lord, 
By walking in the steps his Lord ordains. 
If those he serves be enemies to God, 
Hell manifest himself the Saviour's friend, 
By meek deportment. If they love the Lord, 
He counts it doi>ble honour to obey. 
Conscious he's heir to heav'n, he cares not much 
'Who rules below, so he may dwell in peace ; 
Useful to man, and happy in his God. 



B. Vr. DESCRIBED BY HIS PRACTICK. i4ii 

Is he a Husband ? ev'ry tender proof 
Of dear aftection, and unceasing care, 
That marks that character when best sustain'd, 
Constant he gives ; and rises higher still, 
In kind concern for that which never dies. 
He knows the body, precious as it is. 
Is but the casket which contains the soul. 
What is on earth like two that walk one way 
In wedded love, when both their hearts are one ? 
Their heart, their hope, their aim, their end, 

the same. 
Nothing but death such pairs can separate ; 
Nor death shall part them long. The bands 

dissolv'd, 
Which made them one in time, the stronger 

bands. 
Which make them one forever, still remain. 
For, though relations, such as here they fiU'd, 
Are not in heav'n, the union there exceeds 
The highest conjugal delight on earth. 

But here, alas, the muse must pause awhile, 
And drop a tear of pity ! Many a pair 
In wedlock join'd, to two wide centres tend ; 
Like fire and water, constantly oppose, 
And quench alternately each other's aim ! 



142 THE CHRISTIAT^ B. VI. 

O, ye that know the Saviour's precious name, 
Yet cannot walk tlie road to heaven alone ; 
Hear what a friend advises — Rather hear 
What Clirist himself, your highest friend, com- 
mands. 
Cast not your eyes on heauty void of grace ; 
Sin, like a serpent with envenomed sting, 
Lurks in that damask cheek. That piercing eye 
Conceals a dagger's point, which one rash vow 
Will sheath for life in your expir ng peace ! 
Beware, then, how you tread tha. fatal step, 
Which cannot be recalPd. Fix but your hearty 
Where grace has fixt her seal^ and all is welL 

Does he a Father's character sustain ? 
He sees the truth of God in man's disgra^ce. 
And hears the voice wliich says, ' A sinner 

comes,' 
In all the anguish his dear partner feels : 
Yet murmurs not beneath the sovereign hand 
That, with abhorrence of the first oftence. 
The birth of every child of Adam marks. 
Each bad propensity, through him derived, 
Watching, he aims to check while in the bud ; 
Nor wonders, though he sighs, when they appear. 
What, from a root corrupt, can he expect, 



JB, YU DESCRIBED BV HIS PRACTICE. 143 

But a corrupted branch ? Not in the blood,* 
Nor of the will of man, is grace convey'd, 
But by Jehovah's sovereign will alone. 
From hence he learns submission. God's decrees^ 
For his inspection, he accounts too high. 
The precepts are his rule ; and well he knows 
The Lord will honour them that honour him. 
With diligence he therefore tries the means ; 
And, as the growing pow'rs, from infancy 
Shoot into childhood, and from childhood branch 
To reason's plainer dav, n, advancing still, 
Till youthful efforts into actions rise, 
And plainly to the strict observer tell 
Whither they tend, and whence they are deriv'd; 
The prudent father, with an eagle-eye, 
Marks ev'ry lisping w ord, each childish act, 
And youthful tfibrt, as they spring to light ; 
And timely bends and prunes his growing plant; 
Rewards the promising, the base detects, 
Corrects the wilful, and encourages 
(By motive suited to the little mind) 
To things that merit, and obtain applause. 
How fair the prospect, to a parent's mind, 

■* Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of 
the fiesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John i. 13. 



144f THE CHRISTIAN B. VI* 

Of budding talents and an active soul ! 

What will not hope, by fond aftection warm'dj 

Of future usefulness and gifts suggest ? 

But, all i Why starts from the fond mother's 
. eye 
That sudden tear ? And wherefore that pale look, 
Unusual, on the tender father's cheek ? 
Why does that honest servant droop his head^ 
As for his master griev'd, while he, with haste, 
Flies on some message whisper d in his ear ? 
Returning soon, a stranger with him comes^ 
With foot soft treading, and collected mien, 
On whom the mother fixes first her eye. 
Then turns it to her child ; while her full heart. 
For w ords too big, says, by a wishful glance, 
Physician, help ! — Help the physician, Lord ! 
The pious father secretly exclaims. 
He shakes his head — grief throws her flood- 
gates back. 
And in at once a tide of sorrow^ rolls 
On ev'ry aching heart. The means are us'd 
To feed expiring hope, and lengthen out 
The fatal stroke impending — but in vain. 
A few days more present a breathless corse, 
To the sad parents^ in their darling's room. 



B. Vr. DESCRIBED BY HIS PRACTICE. 145 

Stern winter overtakes their smiling spring. 
And frowns their hope of future harvest dead. 

Now Where's the Christian ? — Can he stand 

the shock 
That severs nature's tender bonds, and still 
The hand that strikes adore ? See where he 

walks ! 
A brother's friendly ear his tale attends. 
While on his arm he leans — ' Why art thou 

sad ?' 
Kindly his friend inquires. He thus replies : 
' I ask'd the Lord, and my request he heard, 
To bless me with a loving, prudent wife. 
Prayer answer'd oft encourages, you knowj 
(For God is not like man) to pray again. 
Again I ask'd, submissive to his will, 
If right I judge, and he bestow'd a son. 
What we by prayer obtain, we hold wilh praise : 
And many a sweet sensation through my liea^rt 
From heav'n has dropt, and up to heav'n agaiii 
Ascended on the wings of gratitude, 
While on that object I have fix'd my eye, 
And there myself in minia^ture beheld. 
And thoiTigh the curse was with the blessing niixt,- 
So wisely has the God of providence, 



146 THE CHRISTIAN B. VI, 

The links of dear relationship ordain'd. 

That e'en the curse seem'd to a blessing turn'd ; 

While sweet instruction, thro' the bitter streams 

Of man's apostacy, I oft imbib'd. 

Now in my ears the little prattler's tongue 

Creates delight no more. No more I see. 

When on my dearest counterpart I look. 

The lovely infant smiling at the breast ; 

Or at my feet, or on my knees, behold 

The winning actions of the lively babe, 

Or the young efforts of expanding thought. 

The mother's gushing eyes, the piteous look 

Of retrospective fondness, the big sigh 

That breaks abruptly from her lab'ring heart, — 

Reflect, without, what still wijthin I feel. 

The favourite spot, on which I fix'd my eyes 

When first my doors I enter'd, vacant noWj 

Or only by imagination filPd. 

The very trifles, once delighted in 

For childish entertainment, unemploy'd 

And useless rendered, all salute me now, 

And in sad silence tell me, o'er and o'er, 

What I too well remember, I was once 

Blest with a son. — But 1 have toueh'd ray friend ; 

'Tis Christian kindness, and deserves my thanks : 

Yet wipe that tear of sympathy away, 



B. VI. DESCRIBED BY HIS PRACTICE. 147 

And join me, as in sorrow, so in praise. 
For, though 1 cannot cease to be a man, 
I feel I am — all glory to his name 
Who made me so at first — a Christian still. 
God is my portion, he the gift bestow'd ; 
God is my portion, he the gift recalPd ; 
And though the gift's recalPd, my portion still 
Is God, who gave, and took the gift away. 
Think not thy friend a loser, though bereav'd. 
"Who can the price of solid wisdom weigh, 
Or count the worth of what experience learns, 
When God himself 's the teacher ? I have 

thought 
No substitute the absence could supply 
Of that dear object ; but 1 now believe 
What God has taught me. Who can teach 

like him ? 
That conscience is the seat of blessedness, 
And God alone, without a creature's aid. 
That seat can fill ; can thro' the yielding heart 
From thence shine forth, till all the happy soul 
Basks in the beams of his meridian smile. 
And needs no other sun. Here m ould 1 live ; 
For here life's fountain flows. Here would I die ; 
For one bright glance from my Redeemer's face 
Will dissipate the thickest gloom of death. 



148 THE CHRISTIAN B. VI. 

No weiglit can sink the man that God up- 
holds ; 
Nocoiifiict can dishearten him whose mind 
The Captain of Salvation deigns to cheer. 
I can do all things, all tilings can endure, 
By liim supported, and from him supplied. 
True, I've a wounded heart ; but I've a friend 
80 skilPd in healing, that 'tis more delight 
To be beneath his operating hand. 
And bear the sev'ring knife, which cuts aw aj 
Idolatrous occasion, than to bask 
In die full sunbeams of prosperity, 
And gratify an uninstructed will.' 

There is a secret in the ways of God, 
With his own children, which none others 

know, 
That sw eetens all he does : and if such peace, 
\Vliiie under his aitiicting hand we find. 
What will it be to see him as he is, 
And past the reacii of all that now disturbs 
The tranquil soul's repose ? To contemplate. 
In retrospect unclouded, ail the means 
By vv jiieh his* w isdom has prepar'd his saints 
For the vast weight of glory which remains ! 
Come, then, affliction, if my Father bids. 



B. \^I. DESCRIBED BY HIS PRACTICE. 149 

And be my frowning friend : a friend that frowns 
Is better than a smiling enemy. 
We welcome clouds which bring the former rain^ 
Tho' they the present prospect blacken round, 
And shade the beauties of the opening year. 
That, by their stores enrich'd, the earth may 

yield 
A fruitful summer, and a plenteous crop. 

Is poverty the lively Christian's lot ? 
Content dwells w ith him in his humble cell 5 
And by that lovely handmaid's constant aid. 
He linds a feast, where discontent w ould starve : 
For he has salt from heav'n to season all, 
And daily blessings sweeten daily bread. 
Little has he to care for in this world ; 
And much he thinks of that which is to come. 
He can look up without an envious eye, 
To stately palaces and rolling cars 5 
Since, in the chariot of redeeming love, 
He often travels the celestial road ; 
And oft regales, with unencumber'd state, 
In the pavilion of the King of kings. 
One thing ennobles much the poor man's house. 
And places o'er his crest a coronet 
In heraldry divine. Jesus, himself, 
N 2 



150 THE CHRISTIAN B. VI. 

Had not a place wherein to lay bis head,* 
So poor was he by choice, who by his grace 
Enriches happy millions here on earth. 
And furnishes with jewels heav'n itself. 
Since Christ was poor, what sinner can com- 
plain ? 
)Sinee Christ was poor, what saint would covet 

wealth ? 
His likeness here, his love in heav'n, be mine. 

Among the rich and mighty of the earth, 
Few can endure the meek Redeemer's cross. 
Riches and self-denial ill agree : 
Humility and grandeur seldom sit 
On the same sofa with a comely grace. 
Well migbt the Lord of life declare it hard 
For wealthy man to place his hope in heav'n ! 
Such num*rous objects to allure the sense, 
And sense so quick and prompt to feel their 

force : 
These plac'd before the eye, and heav'n unseen, 
(Except as faith perceives it in the word,) 
Make work for faith and patience; and employ 

* The foxes have holes, and the birds of the ah- have 
nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his 
head. Mat. viii 20. 



B. VI. DESCRIBED BY HIS PRACTICE. 151 

The utmost vigour of the Christian's hope 
I'o keep them down, and glory full in view. 
Yet nothing is mth God impossible. 
His Spirit can subdue the love of sin, 
Ev'n in a rich man's heart ! and cause good fruit 
To grow, where nature so abounds w ith thorns. 
Where w ealth, with influence or pow'r, is plac'd 
In Christian hands, proportionably mucli, 
The Lord, who gives them all, expects in fruit. 
The lib'ral hand of Providence expands 
The liberal Christian's heart. Much he receives^ 
And much he scatters, dealing all around, 
With cheerfulness what God bestows on him. 
Fear not, rich saints, to turn vour scold to seed. 
And sow it in the fields of poverty. 
A glorious crop, beyond your hopes, will rise, 
And well reward your kindness. Ye shall 

reap, 
Of present benefit, an hundred fold, 
And future sheaves of everlasting good. 
Tlie kindness of his creatures to himself 
The Saviour condescended to accept : 
And still their kindness to his saints he deems 
Of the same worth, and owns it done to him ! 
This is the bank where we?Jth accumulates 
Beyond all reckoning. Trust tlie Lord w ith all^ 



±52 THE CHRISTIAN, &C* B. VU 

And cent, per cent, by hundreds multiplied, 
AVill pour, ^vitli interest, on your growing stock. 
There lay your bags — no iron bars or bolts 
Are needful to secure them. There no rust 
Can their pure worth reduce. No thief can. 

steal 
The wealth entrusted in the Saviour's hands. 
Nor can his credit fail, whose word is truth, 
And his vast property, the universe. 
Oh, then, remember what the Lord hath said, 
That ' where your treasure is, your heart will 

be:' 
And trust your heart and riches both with him. 



END OF THE SIXTH BOOK. 



BOOK VU. ANCIENT EXAMPLES, &C. 153 



BOOK VIL 

ANCIENT EXAMPLES OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 



ARGUMENT. 

Examples of practical faith, taken from the scriptures. — 
Abel, his character contrasted with that of Cain. — 
The heavenly affections and holy practice of Enoch. — > 
Noah's character, preaching", and deliverance from 
the flood. — The cliurch, in its present state, com- 
pared with Noah's ark. — Abraham, his faith, with 
the trials and fruits of it. — Jacob, considered as a 
type of the true Christian in every ag"e. — The use 
which faith makes of the word of God. — Application 
of all to conscience. 

jSi ow let the candid eye of judgment^ clear. 
Compare the cliaraeterj already sung 
As Cliristian, with tlioge rigliieous men thatliv'd 
Beforcj and since the fiood. Arise, ye saints, 
Ye patriarclis, rise ! — .A cloud of witiiesses. 
And by your holy lives confirm my song. 
Why did not Abel, as his brother Cain, 
With ftiUen countenance and clouded brow, 
Express repugnance to his Maker*s will ? 



±54* ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII. 

By faitli, and not by merit, lie attained 
Pre-eminence, and ofFer'd to the Lord 
A sacrifice more excellent than Cain : 
Faith, not from Adam springing, bnt the gift. 
The gracious gift, of his redeeming God. 
By faith, when he beheld the victim bleed, 
He saw the great atonement after made 
On Calvary, by the Redeemer's blood : 
And in that sight rejoicing, saw the way 
To heaven's expanding gates, though never shut 
On one redeemed soul, till he himself 
Entered triumphant by that crimson stream 
On w hich, by faith, he launch'd. ' A sinner 

savM ! 
A sinner ransom'd from the chains of hell ! 
A sinner w asli-d in bloody and sanctify'd 
By God's almighty Spirit !' was the theme 
Which filPd all heav'n with hallelujahs loud, 
While thro' those happy gates his w elcome soul 
Pass'd to the mansions of eternal bliss. 
True, lie was righteous, and his brother's deeds, 
The black reverse, w ere wickedness itself. 
But Abel- s righteous actions were the fruit 
Of grace implanted early in his heart ; 
And Cain's abhorred deeds were all his own, 
The dire eflects of cursed enmity 



BOOK Vir. OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 155 

To God and man — inherited, alas. 
By him, and all the race, from our first sire ! 
How strong, how irrefragable, the proof 
Which then appeared of man's depravity, 
When, thro' his brother's blood, to hell's black 

shades, 
Cain iirg'd his wilful way ! (Such the first fruit 
Of human nature !) Abel's righteous life, 
His holy joys, his humble walk with God, 
And God's acceptance of his sacrifice, 
His soul could not endure. His envious eye 
Ach'd at the sight of pleasures not his own, 
Though not by him desir'd. His brother's blood 
His malice shed, because his brother's works 
Reprov 'd his own. What could he do in heav'n, 
If heav'n should make him room, where harmony 
Incessant strikes the sounding chords of praise, 
And gratitude upon the lap of love. 
Forever smiles delighted with the sound : 
Where order sits supreme upon the throne. 
And each inhabitant completely knows, 
Aiid well approves — and well becomes his plciee. 
And each rejoices in the good of all ? 
The sight of holy blessedness around 
Would fan the fire of envy in his soul, 
And breed a hell too horrid for a name. 



156 ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII. 

Oh, sinner, tliink on this ! None but pure hearts 
Can taste pure pleasure : holy minds alone 
Can dwell with purity divine, in bliss. 

Why was not Abel left to murder Cain, 
And Cain the first of holy martyrs crown'd ? 
Dumb be inquiry, since the righteous Judge 
Is sovereign in his gifts ; and whom he will 
He freely saves, and saves because he will-— 
The riches of his grace to glorify, 
And level all the haughtiness of man. 
No other answer seek, but say. Amen, 
And humbly echo back the song of heav'n. 

Such as the Christian is, was Enoch too, 
Three hundred years : amidst a wicked world, 
He left the beaten road, and walk'd with God. 
With God he walked, and God did condescend 
(No common favour then) to testify 
His gracious approbation to the heart 
Of humble Enoch, many aliappy hour; 
When the vain world, unconscious of his bliss. 
Pitied, perhaps, or blam'd his abstinence 
From things to them deligiitful. But he fed 
On heav'nlv food: had near access to God ; 
Ai\d, from experience of such high delight 



BOOK VII. OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 157 

In things superiorj learn'J to set liis feet 
Wliere tliey their higliest hopes and wishes 

plac'd. 
The heav'n they sought was but tlie path to his ; 
And he possessed it, as he walk'd along. 
With a superior relish to tlie joy 
Tliey found in its abuse. The man who plucks. 
And as he plucks admires, the full blown rose, 
Yet knows its beauty soon will die away. 
And is not disappointed when it fades ; 
Enjoys it, sure, beyond the smiling babe, 
That fondly thinks it permanent as fair, 
And frets at length to find it cease to charm. 
So treats the Christian this dissolving world : 
And, when its favours or enjoyments fade, 
Casts them aside as things of little worth, 
And seeks unfading happiness in God. 
But, like that fond, deluded, smiling babe, 
The man of pleasure hugs it to his heart ; 
Calls it his heav'n, and from it seeks delight, 
Till, in his vitals, it becomes a worm. 
And eats the peace he meant it to secure. 

As travellers on their way refreshment take 
To fit them for their journey, and go on 
Content; tho' rude their fare, to find siipply'd 
O 



158 ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VlU 

Their wants, and wait for better things at home : 
So Enoch, the good things of Providence, 
As on his way to heav'n he walk'd with God, 
Partook ; and, with the strength he thenee 

deriv'd, 
Honoured and serv'd the Giver of them all-— 
But only in his God his portion sought. 
He knew the joys that Christians now partake. 
And felt all thro' his soul what makes iliem sing. 
As on their way they walk, v/hen heaven's 

bright gates, 
Expanded to the piercing eye of faith, 
Invite them home, and bid tiiem speed their way. 
Yea, he rejoic'd, tho' then the world was young. 
In its destruction ; for his eye was fix'd 
On the new world, since promised to th' elect 
In terms more plain than it was then reveaPd. 
His heav'n-taught mind look'd forward to that 

day, 
And of that morn he prophesy'd, when Christ 
The Judge and Saviour, ^ith ten thousand 

saints, 
Should come to sentence an ungodly world. 
And take his ransom'd millions home to bliss. 

At length his soul imbib'd too much of heav'» 
Longer with sinners here to be confin'd. 



BOOK VII. OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 159 

So well he lov'd liis God— (say rather, muse, 

So well his God lov'd him) that up at once 

Both soul and body to himself he took : 

Not through the gates of death, as others pass^ 

But iu the chariot of eternal love ; 

As only one since tlien has found his way. 

Then earth was poor, and heav'n one jewel held, 

From all the rest distin-t— (a jewel such 

As will adorn the Saviour's giorioas crov/n, 

When from the dust the ransom'd cliurcli shall 

rise 
In one bright army, incorruptible. 
And all immaculate, as Christ himself!) — 
A perfect soul and perfect body, join'd 
in union, never more to be dissolved. 

Poor was the world indeed, as soon appeared, 
When swelling vengeance, pouring from the 

skies, 
And bursting from the fountains of the deep, 
Belug'd the highest hills ; and of the vales 
Made sepulclires for all that in them dwelt. 
One favour'd man excepted ; and with him 
The family in whom his life was bound. 
He also, as good Enoch, walked with C^od, 
And God acknowledged him. For when the 

world 



.160 ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII. 

Had sinii'il beyond forgiveness; when their 

crimes 
Reached up to heav'n, and dar^d Almighty wrath; 
When the corruptness of their thoughts and ways 
Had wearied out the patience of a God : 
He, in his eyes, found grace : and God to him 
His dread intent made known, commanding him 
To buihl an ark, where he might dwell secure, 
With all his house, while death ingulph'd the 

world ! 
IVoah obey'd, for Noah feard the Lord, 
Tho' mai! he did not fear : and while he wrought, 
As God instructed him, the mighty work, 
Foi'c-warn'd his neighbours of the threatening 

storm, 
And preach'd a future Saviour's righteousness. 
With that atonement by him after made. 
The only way to pardon. They their sins 
Lov'd rather than this Saviour, and despis'd 
(As men do now) the messenger of God, 
Till justice came and swept them all av/ay. 
So, when the Son of Man, on a bright cloud. 
With all his glorious train around him, comes 
To judge tlie quick and dead, will men be 

swept 
From sin to swift destruction; there to learn, 



BOOK VII. OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 101 

By long experience, that which, while on earth, 
They would not hear — that God will not he 
mock'd, 

God threatens oft, and long his hand with- 
holds, 
That men, repenting, may avoid the blow : 
But when he strikes, he makes the rebels feel 
His arm^s almighty, and his wrath is hell. 
So felt the world ; while Noah, on the waves 
AVhich swallowed them, upborne, trusted in God, 
His skilful pilot, and remain'd secure, 
Tho' death was all around. God sliut him in, 
(Whose hand let loose the Hood) and kept him 

safe 
O'er all the shoreless billows ; watching still 
The favoured ark which on destruction rode. 
But cottld not be destroyed : for God was there. 

So ride the saints secure in Christ tlieir ark, 
On whom destruction's waves were all let loose, 
And for a while prevaiPd : but he arose, 
By his own strength, superior to them all. 
And fix'd the anchor of their hope in heav'n. 
And though the waves may lift their heads on 
high, 

02 



±62 ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII. 

And dasli against tlie favonr'd churcli of God, 

While on temptation's billows she remains. 

They never can prevail : for God himself 

Sits at the helm, and guides the vessel right. 

The seas may swell ; the craggy rocks may stand 

In dread array to fright the mariners ; 

Yea, many a storm may rise, and blacken round 

The dismal prospect ; till no light appears 

To cheer the drooping heart, or raise the hope 

Of her inclosed within. But, should the force 

Of all the jarring elements at once, 

With sin and sorrow, pain and death, unite, 

And hellish malice lend them policy, 

Zion could never sink, for God is there ;* 

And these are all his creatures. In his hand 

He holds the reins of universal pow'r, 

And checks, and bounds, and calms them at his 

will. 
O, then, rejoice, ye who have ti^embling sought^ 
And timely found, a refuge, from the storm 
Of wrath divine, in the Redeemer's cross. 
Soon o'er the waves of trouble and distress, 
Which now so oft you feel, and oft'ner fear, 
Your little bark, outriding every storm 
That rises now, or may in future rise, 

* Ezek. xlviii. 35. 



BOOK VII. OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 163 

Shall rest upon the everlasting hills. 
And never feel one dashing surge again. 

The flood abated, and the ground was dry, 
"When forth again the cliosen family 
Came, by divine command. Then God was 

pieas'd, 
To sinful man, to grant tliat covenant 
Which hangs the life of all upon his word : 
That never down from heaven again should fall. 
Or from the fountains of the deep arise. 
Another flood to overwhelm tlie earth; 
A covenant sealed by that peaceful sign 
The beauteous bow;* which in the azure vault 

* And God said, This is the token of the covenant, 
which I make between me and you, and every living' 
creature that is with you, for perpetual generations. I 
do set my bow in the cloud ; and it shall be for a token 
of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall 
come to pass, when I bring* a cloud over the earth, that 
the bow shall be seen in the cloud ; and I will remem- 
ber my covenant which is between me and you, and 
every living creature of all flesh : and the waters shall 
BO more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the 
bow shall be in the cloud, and I w ill look upon it, that I 
may remember the everlasting covenant between God 
and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the 
earth. Gen. ix. 12 — 16. 



164^ ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII. 

So oft appears, when clouds fiy tlireat'oing 

round : 
On which Jehovah looks, and keeps in mind 
His ancient word : — on which the saints with joy 
Gaze, and remember what a faithful God 
Has promised, and performs. Gaze, deist, there^ 
And tremble, lest thy faith be found a lie. 

Thus was the promised seed preservM alive, 
Which should in future bruise the serpent's 

head. 
And only suffer in his heel a bruise. 

God will not without witness leave his name, 
To dwell obscured in this degenerate world. 
And witnesses, perhaps, had many more, 
Besides those patriarchs, whose illustrious 

names 
Shine thro' th' historic page, as shines the moon 
Amidst the tw inkling stars. But these are drawn 
By an unerring pen, to shew the pow'r 
Of rich redeeming grace. Tl'he promise dropt 
Almost as soon from heav'n, as man from bliss ; 
And from that promise God his faithful eye 
IS ever once turns, but still, as time rolls round. 
Makes manifest, to all who mark his ways, 
What by his sovereign grace he then reveaPd. 



BOOK VII. OF PRACTICAL FAITH, 165 

Admire, je lieav'us ! Ye sons of men adore, 

The condescending God, that down to earth 

Stoops from his throne, with creatures of a day 

To hold free converse, and to visit oft 

His lovely dwelling in familiar form ! 

But still, on all his kindness, sovereignty 

Is with a sunbeam written : — silent, tiien. 

Be ev-ry tongue before a silent God ! 

Ten generations pass'd, of whom no more 

On sacred record stands, but that they liv'd 

80 long a time, and after so long, dy'd : 

Till Abraham, for faith and fortitude 

In lioly writ renown'd, nor less esteeni'd 

For prompt obedience to Jehovah's will, 

Arose a star in eastern history, 

To shine admird through all the w estern world. 

AdmirM, for w hat ?— for shedding human blood. 

For conq-ring kingdoms, and ascending thrones. 

By his high courage and victorious arms ? 

No — he who rules his spirit, and denies y 

His vicious appetites, is bolder far 

Than he that butchers thousands, to be ranked 

High on the list of mighty conquerors. 

Yet lie could fight, and conquer too, when calPd 

To right the injur'd, and tlie prey restore 

Back to its owners. But his excellence 



165 ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII, 

Was not on thrones, or conquerd kingdoms 

built. 
Faith in Jehovali^s promise made liim great; 
Abraham belie v^l, and he v/as counted just,* 

When God first calFd him from his father's 
house. 
He stood not questioning with flesh and blood. 
If this or that were be^t : but went at once. 
Not knowing wliither : and when up to heaven 
Jehovah pointed him to count the stars. 
If possible, and promised that his seed 
Should equal them in number; he believ'd, 
Though he lilmseif was aged, and his nife 
Kad pass d the time of nature to conceive. 
In hope against hope, he could rest secure 
That what Jehovah said would come to pass: 
What stagger'd fearahs faith (and faith she 

had) 
Found sudden credit in the patriarch's breast. 

Long he believ'd, without more evidence 
Than God s bare word. But now a son was 
giv'n; , 

* Abraham believed God, and it was coimted imto 
him for righteousness. Itom. iv. 3. 



BOOK YUf OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 167 

And, in his old age, all the strength of youth 
Retiirn'd, with vigour, to his glo,ving veias. 
For more than threescore years. Isaac was 

born, 
And liv'd till he became a lovely youth-— 
His father's honour, and his mother's joy. 
Thus far his faith was strong ; but how much 

more, 
When he, whose hand bestow'd, demanded back 
The precious gift of liis dear Isaac's life ? 
Then Abraham s faith was fruitful : he obey'd 
At once his Lord's commands, nor stopt to hear 
The voice of nature pleading for his son. 
But rais'd his hand to strike the duteous blow> 
Aim'd at his darling's heart; till God from 

heav'n 
(No other voice could check his firm resolve) 
Call'd to forbid what he, to try his faith. 
At first commanded. Isaac was restored, 
As a reward of his triumphant faith. 

Type of the new^-born doul opposing sin, 
Young Jacob, in the birth, on Esau's heel 
Took wrestling hold, him threat'ning to sup- 
plant. 
A w Testier born is ev'ry heir of grace | 



168 ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII, 

And each that enters heav'n, a wrestler dies. 

A warring infant^ and a victor crown'd 

In death, with laurels which can never fade. 

Are lively emblems of the bud of grace, 

And grace full ripe for glory. Mark the man* 

Vf ho lives opposing sin, and conqu'ring dies ; 

And say, w ith confidence, ' His end was peace,' 

Grace, in its influence, was, in ancient days. 
What grace is now. Unchangeably the same; 
It ever flows from one eternal source — 
The everlasting love of God in Christ. 
The Saviour's image mark'd the heav'n-hound 

soul. 
Long ere Divinity was clad in flesh : 
And Jacob's portrait, drawn with light and 

shade 
By truth's own pencil, striking as the life, 
Proves that the Christian, in that ancient garb^ 
Difter'd in garb alone from Christians now. 
With what simplicity were faitii and hope^ 
And patience, waitin^' for the growth of bliss. 
Till God should bid it ripen, exercis'd 
In Jacob's bosom, when he first went forth^ 

* ^lark the perfect man, and heboid the upright ; 
for tue eu4 oftlut maa is peace. Psalm xsxyii. 37. 



BOOK Vir. OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 169 

On God dependent, from his father's house ! 
An humble staff was all his equipage. 
And his provision— trust in Providence. 
Thus, uneneumber'd with terrestial care, 
Alone he travelPd till the sun was set ; 
Tlien laid his lowly head upon a stone, 
And slept all night in peace. In peace he slept^ 
For his obedient mind from guilt was free. 
And therefore free from fear. Fear only dwells 
Where guilt inhabits. None can sleep so sweet 
As he whom a good conscience sooths to rest. 
So rest my soul, as I my way pursue 
To my eternal home ! Let Jacob's peace, 
And Jacob's guard, and Jacob's God, be mine I 
And mine the prospect happy Jacob saw— 
The blissful prospect of a w ay to heav'n, 
And guards celestial planted all along ; 
While, from the summit, God's omniscient eye 
Wat<ihes his chosen people as they pass. 
See Jacob, born a wrestler, wrestling live, 
And shout salvation in the jaws of death. 
Behold the child grasp at the filial crown ! 
Behold the youth his appetite deny, 
A future glorious birthright to obtain ! 
Then see the man, from persecution's frown, 
Fly, not unenvied, tho' with empty hand, 
P 



170 ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII. 

Because liis father's blessing crowii'd his head. 
And show'rs of promised good bedevv'd his path. 
With his stone pillow, and angelic guard. 
See liini, while journeying, favoured with a view 
Of God's appointed way to endks:^ rest, 
When he on earth the heav'n-propp'd ladder 

saw. 
And from its summit heard Jehovah's voice ! 
See twenty years, in Laban's service spent, 
By day to heat expos'd, to cold by night. 
See him, his labours with abun^'ance crown'd, 
Return, with honour, to his father's house. 
And cross that Jordan, with a numerous train. 
Which with his staff alone he pass'^d before I 
See heaven's blood-royal animate his heart, 
^Vith such celestial courage by the way. 
That, as a prince, he conquer'd and was crown'd; 
Wrestled with God, and won the glorious prize! 
Long with domestic jars and changes try'd, 
See him in Canaan and in Egypt dwell. 
Then see the good old man, matur'd at last, 
And ripe for heav'n, with blessings on his lipsy 
And glory in his eye ; and say, ye sons 
Of Abram's faith, of Isaac's fortitude. 
And wrestling Jacob's heav'n-be^ieging pray'rs. 
If in this sketeli no likeness you discern 
To ail that now are Israelites indeed r 



BOOK VII. OF PRACTICAL FAITH. ±7± 

Thus liave I sung the Christian-s tow'ring faith, 
"Which, from the doctrines of JehovTih's void. 
Imbibes celestial iioiirishment and strength ; 
AVhich (like the bee that finds in ev'ry flovv'r 
Some vital sweet) exploring all the word, 
Sees on each branch of trutJi rich blessings grow, 
The PROMISE, big with mercy, yields him life, 
And all those eomi'orts which exhilarate. 
And lift the new-born spirit's hope to bliss. 
The PRECEPT, shining clear, directs his steps. 
Thro' paths of lioliness, to heaven and God. 
The THREATNixG wams him of those dangerous 

shelves, 
Or quicksands deep, where false professors break 
Against presumption'srocks; or, faithless, sink 
Down to the hopeless regions of despair. 
The PROPHECIES present him with a map, 
Where ail Jehovah's purposes of grace, 
His awful judgments, and the dire effects 
01 his tremendous vengeance on his foes, 
AYith all liis brigiit displays ol saving pow'r, 
Are drawn in just propor.ions, by an hand 
"Which never err d — the hand of truth divine. 
The DOCTRINES, like the sun, both light and 

heat 
Communicate at once. Thence he derives 



±72 ANCIENT EXAMPLES BOOK VII, 

Both strength and skill to wield the sword of 

truth 
In conflict sharp; or, with obedient feet, 
To run, submissive to divine command. 
Here he beholds the wonders of the cross, 
Whence fall salvation, like a river, flows : 
And here perceives the glory of that crown. 
Whose gems will shine immortal on his head. 
When he, like gold, bright from the purging 

fire. 
From sin and sorrow freed, ascends to heav'tf, 
And enters on his sure inheritance. 
Now think, O Christian — How should hopes 

like these 
Thy passions wean from earth, and fix tliy heart 
W^here Jesus sits in heav'n^ at God's right hand f 
If there thy treasure lies, and there thy strength, 
If there resides thy one almighty Friend ; 
If thy fair mansion of immortal rest, 
W liich never can decay, stands vacant there 
Till thy glad coming ; if in that pure state 
The blest society of ransom'd saints 
And holy angels, in one bond of love 
United, wait to make thy spirit room ; 
W^iere can thy fond affections find delight, 
Fit to compare with hope of endless bliss ? 



BOOK VII. OF PRACTICAL FAITH. 173 

And oh, what fruits should hopes like these 

produce 
While ive on €arth abide ? Since Jesus owns 
No barren branch united to himself. 
But looks for prompt obedience from the soul 
That wears his righteousness, and waits for 

heav'u, 
Clad in that glorious vesture. — -Honour, then^ 
Your noble calling by nn holy life. 
And prove your birth celestial, as your hope. 



END OF THE SEVENTH BOOK, 



P 2 



\ 



BOOK VIII. SOCIAL RELIGION, &C. i^d 



BOOK VIII. 

SOtlAL religion; OR, THE CHURCH ON 
EARTH. 



Blest is the man, who (having felt himself 

The pow'r and sweetness of redeeming love) 

Unites with others, who have felt the same, 

In sacred bonds of holy fellowship. 

With mutual love inspired, each glowing heart 

Burns with desire to seek the good of all ; 

While all are by the love of Christ constrained- 

To love supremely Him who dy'd to save ; 

And each his brother, for the Saviour's sake. 

Blest is the social band, where souls like these. 

In peaceful unity and cordial love, 

Worship and praise, and hear the gospel sound, 

And walk obedient, in each ordinance 

By Zion's King commanded ; and bear fruit. 

By useful lives, to glorify his name. 

One thing my soul desires, one fervent prayer. 

Oft at the throne of mercy I present—- 



^ 



176 SOCIAL religion; or, book viii» 

Oil, grant me, Lord, whatever tlioii deiiy-st, 
In such a churcli as this to spend my days, 
Not useless, but inq'jirin.^ aft r God : 
Beholding in his courts his g orious face. 
And basking in the smiles of love divine, 
As the sure earnest of eternal bliss ; 
Till, from thy throne, the messenger arrives 
With my dismission to the church above. 
Thus saith the Lord, Heav'n is my lofty throne, 
And earth my footstool. Where shall room be 

found 
To build an house for me ? What place of rest 
Can earth afford to him vJio reigns in heav'n ? 
Yet — Oli, the deptlis and heights of love divine! 
Jehovah dwells in ev'ry contrite heart, 
And forms himself an house of living stones, 
Hewn from the quarry of our niin'd race ! 
When God himself, that made the world, looks 

do.vn. 
And from his high resplendent throne in heav'n 
Surveys his footstool where we mortals dwell ; 
He sees no object round the spacious globe. 
From east to west, from pole to pole, so fair 
In his divine esteem, as Zion is. 
' This is my rest forever, saith the Lord, 
Here will i dwell.' The seat of his desire, 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. i,7*f 

And palace of his presence, is tlie church. 
The noblest pile that ever prest the earth, 
That glorious structure rear'd by Solomon, 
Wliere order, beauty, and magnificence. 
Met in perfection, was a type of this ; 
A figure only of the church of Christ. 
The beams of cedar and the costly stones. 
The gold, the silver, and the precious gems. 
Wherewith that stately temple was adornd, 
Tho' earth can boast no richer, had no worth, 
Compared with saints redeemed by precious 

blood ; 
Immortal stones, which shine with living rays, 
Form'd in celestial mines, and only found 
Within the tropics of the Sun of heav'n ; 
Compose the palace where Jehovah dwells^ 
Whether in earth, or in his courts above. 

When Jesus rose triumphant from the grave. 
And death and hell lay captive at his feet, 
Cloth'd with omnipotence, and girt with truth, 
His right asserting, he declared his will ; 
And thus commissioned his apostles first, 
To lay the broad foundation of his reign. 
' All pow'r in heav'n and earth is giv'n to me : 
^Go, therefore, teach all nations my commands ;; 



f 



178 SOCIAL religion; OR5 BOOK VIII. 

He tliat believes your word, and in the name 
Of i* atlier. Son, and Spirit, is baptizM, 
He shall be sav'd ; but he that won* t believe, 
(Take warning, sinners i) shall be surely 

damned. 
Lo, 1 am with you till the world shall end ; 
And lo, I send my Father'^s promise down 
To lit you for your office. Tarry ye 
In Salem, till 1 give you pow'r from heav'n.' 
Thus spake the voice which built the universe, 
And will pronounce on all their final doom. 
Then heav'n expanded wide her beauteous 

gates. 
And robes of light and glory clad the Lord, 
V» liile he ascended to his rightful throne ; 
To reign till all his foes sliall be subdued, 
And ail his chosen in liis triumph share. 
Great was the charge, to spread the Saviour's 

reign, 
Against the powers of earth and hell combined ; 
And v» eak, the instruments, if viewed as men. 
But, fiirnish'd with celestial arms from God, 
And with their Saviour's presence, they went 

forth 
Fearless, each brandishing the sword of truth. 
Against the pow'rs of darkness : while the 

Lord, 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 179 

Whose word they utter'd, with almighty pow'r 
Pointed each sentence, till conviction pierc'd 
The hearts of thousands. Then, from vanquish'd 

souls, 
^ What shall we do ?' became the general cry. 
' Believe and be baptized" — the preachers cry'd : 
And willing thousands to the rivers ran, 
Obedient to the vSaviour's high command ; 
And, buried in the water with their Lord, 
Rose with him to a new and heavenly life. 
Back to their work the preachers soon return-d, 
And Jesus crucified, was still their theme. 
Him, as exalted to the Lord's right hand, 
A mighty Prince and Saviour they proclaim'd ; 
And prov\l his cross the way to peace with God. 
What could withstand them ? Facts as clear 

as noon. 
As the firm pillars of their doctrine stood ; 
And light, like sunbeams, with their words 

shone out. 
Convincing ev-ry conscience. Humble souls 
Fell daily at their feet in multitudes. 
Seeking salvation, and salvation found ; 
While such as hated the Redeemer's name, 
Convinc'd, by miracles, the cause v, as God's, 
Shut their own eyes against celestial light. 



180 SOCIAL religion; or, book VIII. 

And barr'd tlieir hearts against tlie reign of 



grace. 



Hell was confounded — persecution's sword^ 

Help'd on tlie persecuted. Stephen dy'd. 

But triumpli'd in his dying agonies ; 

And Saul, the persecutor, preached the cross. 

Proud Pharisees, with lofty Priests, combin'dj 

And importun'd the iron arm of Rome 

To lend their malice pow er ; but all in vain. 

Still Christ was preach'd, and still the pow'r 

of God 
The word attending, shook the gates of hell. 
Then, when the Holy Spirit, by the word, 
Wrought wonders in the mighty Saviour's name;> 
One heart, one soul, possest the multitude, 
Divinely taught by Him. Then union grew 
From hearts united by redeeming love, 
And lives devoted to the Saviour's praise. 
Union with Christ, enjoy'd by precious faith^ 
And one design to glorify his name. 
Firing each happy individual's zeal, 
Dissolv'd their sev'ral interests into one ; 
And they became, by mutual free consent, 
A living temple of the Holy Ghost ; 
A church of Jesus, and an house of God, 
All iu one cause united, oft they met^ 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 181 

Both in the temple, and from house to house, 
To hear, and spread the gospePs blissful sound ; 
To join in solemn pray'r, and cheerful praise ; 
To break the sacred bread, and drink the cup ; 
To strengthen and confirm each other's faith, 
And walk together in the path of life. 

Thus the foundation of the Christian church 
By grace divine was laid. Each ransomed soul, 
Call'd out of darkness into gospel light, 
First gave himself a living sacrifice, 
To HIM who dy'd to save him from his sins ; 
Then to his brethren by the will of God. 

Hence springs the fellowship of saints on 
earth ; 
Taught by one Spirit, ransom'd by one price ; 
One bread they eat, and at one fountain drink; 
All in one way pursuing one great end. 
Likeness produces love, and love produced 
Acts frequent by reciprocal delight. 
And makes sw eet harmony in prayer and praise. 

Sweet is the day for worship set apart, 
To those who thus assemble ! On tlie smiles 
Of Love Omnipotent, at once they feast; 
Q 



p 



182 SOCIAL RELIGION ; OR, BOOK VIII. 

And for tliose smiles with one accord give 

thanks. 
They love the hours that bring that welcome 

morn. 
And joyfiilly salute the dawning light 
That calls them from their rest to seek the Lord. 
' Come, let us go,' one to another cries ; 
' Come let us go to Zion's happy gates, 
The sacred place of oar Jehovah's feet. 
Which he so oft makes glorious to our eyes ;* 
And wait his presence there.' His presence 

there 
To those that seek, his word of grace ensures ; 
That word of grace on which his people rest. 
Then Zion's children in her favour'd courts 
Drink the pure milk of God's unmixed word, 
And grcv/ thereby, till they become young men. 
Her young imii and her fath.?is then par-ake 
The rich provision of Jehovah's board, 
And ripen fast for glory. Glory's dawn, 
And emblem, is this day of sacred rest. 
The faint and weary then their strength renew, 

* And I will make the place of my feet glorious, 
Isaiah Ix. 13. 

And the name of the city from that day shall be, 
^ Jehovah is there.' Ezek. xlviii. 55^ 



BOOK Vm. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 18S 

And mount to glory as on eagle's wings. 
Fresh as the morning dews, and swift as light. 
Their heavenly race unwearied they pursue ; 
And, without fainting, walk in duty's path. 
Physic and balm the sick and wounded find 
On this good day ; and a physician, skilPd, 
(Whatever their complaints) to heal them all. 

These are the courts Jehovah keeps below. 
Where often, on his children, he besiows 
Rich earnest of eternal life t^ come. 
And precious tokens of his present care. 

Go, stranger — walk the stately city* round : 
Mark well her bulwarks, count her lofty towers, 
And to the generations yet unborn 
Transmit a just account. Her gates are praise 5 
Her walls are strong salvation, founded deep 
On God's immutable decrees of grace. 
And rais'd beyond the flight of creature thought. 

* Walk about Zion, and g^o round about her ; tell the 
towers thereof, mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her 
palaces, that ye may tell it to the generation following". 
Psalm xlviii. 12, 13. 

We have a strong city ; salvation will God appoint for 
walls and bulwarks. Isaiah xsvi. 1. 



f 



184 SOCIAL religion; or, book VIII. 

Her steadfast bulwarks, with omnipotence, 
Are girt about ; and, w ith paternal love, 
Closely cemented is each precious stone 
That joins the stately structures to compose. 
A river,* flowing with eternal grace, 
Supplies her blest inliabitants with streams 
Of solid peace, which they with gladness drink. 
And shout tlieir joys aloud through all her gatesj 
Her lovely gatesf on either side are plac'd : 
For entrance into fellowship the one ; 
The other, for translation to the skies. 
AH those who enter come with grateful notes, 
Adoring, as they pass, the matchless pow'r 
That saves them from destruction's op'ning 

gulph : 
And those who leave her courts below, to dw ell 
Forever in her palaces above ; 
Oft, as in love's bright chariot they ascend, 
vShout to the heav'ns above and earth beneath. 
And tell two worlds at once the bliss they feel ! 
Her laws are love and perfect liberty 5 

* There is a river, the streams whereof shall make 
glad the cit}' of God, the holy place of the tabernacles 
of the Most High. Psalm xlvi. 4. 

f Thou shalt call thy walls salvation, and thy gates 
PRAISE. Isaiah Ix. 18. 



BOOK Vlir. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 185 

Her magistrates are righteousness and peace 5 
Her Lord is ruler of tlie heav 'ns aboye^ 
And holds the earth and waters in his hand. 
Grandeur, that looks an empire into shiides, 
Sits on his kingly brow. He rules, by love, 
The subjects of the kingdom of his grace : 
But, with the iron rod* of vengeance, breaks 
The nations into shivers, that refuse, 
Before the sceptre of his grace, to bend. 
High on her towers the gospel flag of truce, 
On invitation's gracious gale unfurPd, 
AVaves to the strangers round. Her op'ning 

gates 
Sound refuge, as their willing hinges move, 
To all that fly from Satan's tyranny. 
And from the false, destructive smiles of sin. 

Yet in this city, gloriousf as it is, 
No beauty to the worldling's eye appears. 
Her walls, her gates, her blest inhabitants, 

* Thou shalt hreak them v/ith a rod of iron, thott 
shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Psalm 
ii. 9. 

t Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God! 
Seiah, Psalm Ixxxviii. 3. 
Q 2 



f 



186 SOCIAL religion; or, book VIII. 

Her flowing river, and her heavenly food, 
Her Lord supreme, and those unequalPd laws 
By which he governs them that trust his grace 5 
The sweet communion of her happy saints. 
And their immortal hopes, are ail to him 
As a romantic tale, or idle dream I 

Great things and glorious in the sacred word 
Are said of Zion. God shines forth from 

thence. 
In all the glory of his righteous reign ; 
In all the splendour of his sovereign grace. 
Of all the works creating pow'r has formed, 
The beauty and perfection centre tliere. 
There the pure image of the Lord of life 
Buds from ten thousand hearts, renew'd by 

grace : 
And plants, designed for heaven's fair paradise, 
Put forth celestial bloom while yet on earth. 
Refresh d with dews from heav'n, that lovely 

mount. 
Yields a profusion of such sacred sweets, 
And (to an eye enliglitenM from above) 
Spreads such delightful prospects, that the man 
Wh > has survey d her blissful walks and bow'rs, 
Tasted her fruits, and from her summit viewM 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 187 

The boundless glories of eternity, 
Desires forever on that mount to dwell. 
'Tis pleasant to behold reviving spring, 
As from her southern circuit she returns, 
Melt, with her smiles, stern winter's icy throne 5 
Av» ake fresh verdure from his frozen plains, 
And call those flow'ry beauties into life, 
Which fell, destroyed, before his cutting frowns. 
But oh, to see an intellectual world, 
By sov'reign grace, restor- d to rectitude ; 
Rais'd from the barren state of death in sin. 
By the strong beams of heaven's all-quick'ning 

Sun, 
To holy life ; and rendered fit to dwell 
With kindred angels, and a smiling God ! — 
To see those beauties opening to the light. 
Which will hereafter wear immortal bloom : 
How much more solid pleasure does it yield ! 
As the broad sun-fliow'r, from the morning dawn 
Till ev'ning sliade, turns after the bright orb 
From which 'tis nam'd ; so turns the new-born 

soul, 
Call'd Christian, after him whose name he bears^ 
Deriving life and vigour from his rays. 
By active faith, which quicken and transform 
The soul, as it absorbs them. Not the name 



188 SOCIAL RELIGION : OR, BOOK VIII. 



^ 



Of Jesus only? sounded from the lips, 

Or by profession fixt to character. 

Proves the true Christian ; where God's presence 

shines. 
His likeness also lives. Each heart that feels 
The vital beams of everlasting love. 
Burns with a holy flame reciprocal ; 
And shines with love to God, and love to man. 
Then, when the heart is stor'd with grace 

divine 
The Saviour's name embalm^l with gratitude, 
Drops from the lips, like honey-dew from 

flow'rs. 
And sheds a heav'nly fragrance with the sound. 

In holy v. rit, where sacred truth resides. 
The church is cali'd the Garden of the Lord : 
A garden, from this wilderness inelos'd. 
And planted by the hand of sovereign grace; 
Christ, its first fruit, its fiill-blown iiow'r, that 

sheds 
Lustre and disrnitv on all the rest : 
And all the saints are only beautiful 
In such degrees as they resemble him. 
There Meekness^ learning of its lov/ly Lord 
Sweet resignation to the will supreme, 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 189 

Lifts its submissive head : its only choice, 
To be, to do, or bear, what God sees best. 
There grows Humiliti/ (like the fam'd plant 
Which shrinks before the touch,) its lowly head 
Bending beneath the smile of sovereign grace, 
Till its crown drops at the great Giver's feet; 
Still least, when honoured and exalted most. 
There tow'ring Faith springs from celestial 

seed, 
And bears immortal fruit. The sacred word 
Supplies its vigorous root with streams of life, 
And its fair branches shine with heav'nly dew. 
This is that plant, so much renown'd of old 
For yielding glory to the Saviour's name ; 
Which never has been known to live on earth, 
But as the gracious gift of love divine. 
There, often shook by tribulation's storms, 
Grows Patience^ rooted fast, and clinging round 
The lofty trunk of ever-smiling Hope : 
Which, like a stately cedar, rears its head 
Up into purer air ; deriving thence 
A richer verdure, and a sweeter bloom, 
Than earth's terrestrial climate can produce. 
There Gratitude^ the full-blown rose of grace. 
Displays its beauteous colours, and perfumes 
The ambient air with the Redeemer's praise. 



f 



190 SOCIAL religion; or, book viii^ 

And there, chief beauty of the church below, 
And fairest flow'r in paradise above, 
Blooms glowing Love ; the likeness of himself, 
Who plants, and waters, prunes, and trains 
them ail. 

Thrice happy he who dwells among the 

saints. 
And walks serene thro' Zion's peaceful groves^ 
For daily meditation. None can tell. 
Save those \'^hose glorious privilege it is 
Thus to be favoured, what delights he knows. 
Thrice happy he, whom Christ, his Lord, 

employs 
To work in this fair garden. Constant there, 
From rising morning till the sun goes down, 
His sweet employment he in peace pursues; 
And finds his task his wages. While the world 
Grasps eager after wreaths, which fade when 

touch' d, 
lie cultivates a soil which yields him fruit 
For present comfort, and immortal store. 
The plants he trains will bloom in endless life^ 
When all Arabia's spicy groves decay, 
And Asia's fruit-abounding forests fade. 
His labours must succeed who works for God, 
And on whose work Jehovah deigns to smile. 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 191 

He reaps indeed an harvest, who at length, 

After long patience, and abundant toil, 

Hears heaven's impartial Judge pronounce. 

' Weil done ; 
Enter the joy and triumph of thy Lord. 
Thou hast been faithful o'er a little charge : 
Now rule o'er much, forever reign with me/ 
And he bids fair for that immortal crown, 
Whose single eye, fixt on it all the way, 
Keeps it in view, the end of all he does : 
The motive which impels his diligence ; 
The prize for which he struggles thro' the war. 
But oh, consider well the solemn work. 
Ye warm young candidates ! whose lively zeal 
Outstrips your knowledge in the heavenly race. 
Fain would you tell to others what you feeJ, 
And vent an heart o'erflowing with delight^ 
By shouting forth, in the Redeemer's namCp 
This joyfjil news, ' Salvation is by grace !' 
Fain would you lift the gospel-standard high, 
And gather multitudes to Zion's camp. 
But mark the words of one who, taught of God. 
This weighty question puts — 'Sow shall they 

preachy 
Except they be sent forth ?^ and sent by him, 
Whose pow'r and goodness can command 

success. 



f 



±92 SOCIAL religion; or, book viii*^ 

If Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of lords^ 
Command us forth — his providence and grace 
Concur to prove it, by an open door 
Which none can shut ; and by such useful gifts 
As soon ensure our welcome where we come. 
Tlie church on earth is glory's nursery ; 
Whence, as each tree of life grows ripe for bliss, 
He, who first planted, priin'd, and water'd it, 
Transplants it to his paradise above, 
And there it blooms in everlasting spring. 

O YE, who scan your Maker's common works, 
And justly call them wonders; could ye see 
What nobler wonders in a plant of grace, 
That buds with future glory, are incios'd ; 
Could ye discern the likeness of the God, 
Who made the wonders ye admire, shoot forth 
From a degenerate plant of Adam's stock. 
With life divine in^'rafted ! Could ve trace 
The beauteous red and white, of glowing love, 
x\nd spotless holiness, that tinge the mind 
With a celestial hue ; and through the life 
Diffuse a grateful odour (sweeter far 
Than all Arabia's spicy fields produce ;) 
Wiiat seen in nature pleases, seen by faith 
Would more than please; it would transform 
the soul. 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 19S 

And make each beauty you admir'd your own. 
But, ah ! iiot many wise,^ not muiy riehj 
Not many noble, have an eye to see. 
An ear to hear, an heart to feel, the joys 
That flow to sinners through the Saviour's bloa J, 
The weak, the indigent, tiie wretched, share 
The free salvation which the great disdain. 
^Almighty Father, even so,' said once 
The kindest tongue that ever spake on earth, 
' For so thou hast ordain'd !' Life, as a gift 
Freely bestow 'd, supported, rais'd, and crown'd ; 
The man that is not willing to receive, 
Deserves, by his own wickedness, to die. 

Shew^ me a Christian— -Is the jewel scares? 
The ju^t reflection makes a Christian's heart 

* For ye see your calling*, brethren, how that not 
many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not 
mai'iv nol'le, are caileei : but God hath chosen the f()ol- 
ish things of the world to confound the wise ; and God 
hath chosen the weak things of the world to confouiid 
the things that are mighty : and base things of the 
world, and things which are despised, hath God choseii ; 
yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things 
that are, tliat no flesh should glory in his presejice, 1 
Cor. i. 26—29. 

R 



r 



194) SOCIAL religion; or, book viii. 

Sigh, while he looks around him: — scarce in- 
deed! 
Shew me a thousand men that bear the name ; 
And one, perhaps, the character displays ! 
Who finds a Christian when he looks abroad ? 
The man, who, thro' the accomplishments of 

art. 
The wealth and honours of a dying world, 
And nature's finest touches in the mind. 
Looks for a heart renew'd, and holy life, 
Whether the subject be a prince or clown. 
Who finds a Christian when he looks at home ? 
The man who looks abroad, and loves the soul* 
That bears the Saviour's image — love's the test. 
Knowledge must fail ; accomplishments decay, 
As mental vigour dies. Talents may shine 
Thro' life, and shine among the sons of men. 
When he that held and used them is no more, 



* We know that we have passed from death unto life, 
because we love the brethren. 1 John iii. 14. 

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, 
if ye have love one to another. John xiii. 35. 

Charity (love) never faileth : but whether there be 
prophecies, they shall fail ; whether there be tongues, 
they shall cease ; whether there be knowledg'e, it shall 
vanish away, 1 Cor. xiii, 8. 



BOOK VIII, THE CHURCH ON BARTH. 195 

But talents have no wings to mount the skies ; 
No worth inherent that will purchase heav'n. 
Eloquence, here, is but a tinkling sound ; 
But love's immortal, and can never die. 
Love is the tree of life that grows in heav'n, 
Fast rooted near th' eternal throne of God. 
Life's fountain waters it ; and the bright rays 
Of heav'n enrich and ripen all its fruit. 
Come, then, ye wise, (nor think reproof 

severe, 
That flies upon the silken wings of love,) 
Look on this city of solemnities. 
And walk this lovely fruitful garden round. 
Hear the sweet songs, and mark the flowing 

joys? 

That all her happy converts feel and tell. 
When they with expectation forward look, 
In confidence of future bliss to come ; 
Backward, with gratitude, for mercies past, 
And on their present lot with sweet content. 
Then say, what have ye seen in all the walks 
Of sense and speculation, to compare 
With Zion's beauty, or with Zion's bliss ? 
But Zion, though the chief of all his works 
Who built the universe, has been despis'd 
By men of pow'r, almost in every age. 



196 SOCIAL religion; or, book VIIl. 

Since first her Captain mounted liis white 

horse,* 
And thro^ ihe nations of the earth went forth, 
Conni'ring his foes by love, and bringing down. 
By sweet forgiveness, rebels to his feet ; 
What opposition has his gospel met, 
Ev'u from the men whom it was sent to save ! 
No huiie inij^osor, with infernal rites. 
And laws infernal to enforce their use, 
Has found the heart of man so obstinate 
Against their entrance as the truth of God ! 
Mali J met, and ev'^n antichrist himself, 
Tlio' tyranny and slaughter mark'd their steps, 
As eaciiadyanc'd his claim, were more esteemed, 
And better suited to the human taste. 
Than Truth in her simplicity from heav'n. 
With goodness, peace, and mercy, in her train. 
The world (when Jesus was reveaPd from 

heav'n. 
And prov'd, with pow'r, to be the Son of God) 
Hated that light of truth, which tore the mask 
From their hypocrisy. God's image, seen 
In perfect brightness, bore no trait of theirs ; 
But provM the lapsed state of man from God, 
And sliew'd the holiness of God to man. 

* Rev. vi. 2. 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 197 

But men abliorr^l the Sun of Rigliteousness, 
And shut their eyes on his unwelcome beams ; 
Because their motives and their deeds were 

base. 
And needed darkness to conceal them both. 
Christ is the sun, and Zion is the moon ; 
His light sets truth and judgment, heav'n and 

hell, 
All plain before the conscience. Hers received, 
And then reflected, though with feebler rays, 
Brings the same objects into view^ ; and shews 
That grace alone can turn the soul to God. 
When Jesus preach'd on sovereignty divine^ 
Such pride and malice filPd his hearers' hearts, 
They would have dash'd him headlong from the 

rock. 
To shew their hatred to that glorious truth. 
And when his humble followers tell the world 
What sovereign grace had done to save their 

souls. 
And how that grace has slain the pow'r of sin, 
And kindled hopes of glory in their hearts ; 
Instead of seeking that salvation too, 
Like Cain, when Abel's offering pleas'd the 

Lord, 
Provok'd to envy what they still abhor, 
R 2 



f 



198 SOCIAL RELIGION 5 OR, BOOK VIII. 

They strike at God's fair image in his saints, 

And rather dare his wrath than seek his love. 

Hence persecution. Enmity to God 

Exis ing in the heart of every man. 

Is by his likeness in the saints provok'd, 

And vents its rage against their Lord in them. 

AVhat streams of blood — what rivers have been 

shed, 
To silence those who publish peace from heav'n, 
And aim at reconciling men to God ! 
The BEAST, with his seven heads, and ten 

cro>\ii'd horns. 
Has wallow'd in the blood of innocence ; 
First by old Pagan, then by Papal Rome, 
Almost two thousand years ! Tyrannic pow'r, 
And hellish craft combined, have long withstood 
The righteous claim of heav'n' s eternal King, 
To rule the universe himself hat^i made. 
But God hith promis'd his anointed Son, 
The glorious King of kings, and Lord of lords, 
That all his foes shall at his footstool bend, 
And ev'ry nation, ev'ry kindred, own 
His righteous government from pole to pole. 
Bend, therefore, sinner ! bend, or you must 

break — 
Bow to the sceptre of his sov'reign grace, 



BOOK VIII. THB CHURCH ON EARTH. 199 

Lest the just vengeance of his iron rod 
Should dash you into shivers. ' Kiss the Son'* — 
Hear the glad news of nierey from his lips. 
And plead for peace, thro' his atoning blood. 
While yet his gospel-sound salutes your ears, 
Lest, if his anger rise, you perish quick. 
For who can bear his presence, if he frown, 
Whose smile diftuses blessedness thro' heav'n ; 
Whose wrath creates the quenchless flames of 

hell ? 
Hark ! what convulsions shake the nations round! 
All Europe feels it ! 'Tis the batt'ring ram 
Of Zion's Gen'ral, struck against the walls 
Of ancient Babylon, to break them down : 
And down, at one tremendous stroke of his^ 
Behold a tenth of her vast empire sinks ! 
Howl, ye oppressors of the human race ! 
Ye priestly tyrants over Zion, howl ! 
For her almighty Lord asserts her right. 
And will maintain and vindicate her cause, 
Tho' earth and hell eombin'd his truth with- 
stand. 
Shout ! O ve ransom'd servants of the Lord — 
Shout ! for behold your great Redeemer 
comes, 

* Psalm ii. 



f 



200 SOCIAL religion; or, book viiT 

Array 'd in robes of light and majesty. 
Earth shines with rays of glory from his face. 
And prophecy receives accomplishment 
Still more and more, as his approach draws 

near. 
The vast stupendous wheels of Providence 
Move on his stately chariot to the w ar ; 
And earth, and seas, and fire, and light, and air, 
With pow'r, and truth, and justice, in their van, 
MarshaPd before him, wait his dread command. 
His vesture dipt in blood he'll soon assume, 
And write upon his garment and his thigh, 
Conspicuous, his high and holy name. 
What pow'r can stand, when thus the Lord 

appears. 
What pow'r can stand against him ? He will 

shake 
Both heav'n and earth at once. He w ill destroy 
The vail, which from all nations hides his light. 
And sliine and reign ador'd, belov'd and serv'd, 
Far as the sun extends his feeblest beams. 
The morning dawns on Zion, and the night 
Hangs over Babylon. Her sun goes down ; 
And Jesus, the bright Sun of Righteousness, 
Begins to tinge, with his celestial beams. 
The distant shores. Bright, on America, 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 201 

More than an age, his vital rays have slione ; 
As happy thousands round the throne of bliss 
Bear witness ; and as thousands yet below 
Give living proof, and hope to join them soon. 
There the bold heralds of the Prince of Peace, 
With fervent zeal, clear light, and rich success, 
Have long proclaimed salvation. May that zeal 
Glow with increasing fervour! May that light 
Shine with increasing evidence and strength; 
And richer fruits of mercy crown their work, 
Who labour there to make salvation known. 

Our noble brethren, of Moravian name, 
Have long endur'd the cross, to make it knoM n, 
'Midst Greenland snows, and on the dismal 

shores 
Of barb'rous Esquimaux : nor think it hard 
To spend their lives with filthy Hottentots, 
In hope of saving their immortal souls. 
But oh ! what groans does hardened Europe hear 
(Echo'd from one vast quarter of the globe) 
Unfeeling, tho' they sound from breaking hearts, 
And rent relations, of our kindred men ! 
Yet deeply as oppression's iron gripe 
Wounds those who feel it, a still darker cloud 
Than savage ignorance, and slavish toil. 
Involves our brethren of those burning realms. 



f 



20Q SOCIAL religion; or, book viii. 

The vast extensive coasts of Africa, 
Fioin Barbary to her most Southern Cape, 
Have long remainM a mental wiklerness. 
No seeds of life immortal have been sown, 
Few plants of grace trained up for paradise, 
In those vast regions for long ages past, 
Tho' from lier fruitful soil all earthlv crood 
In rich variety and plenty springs, 
Almost spontaneous. Tho' she sliines with gems, 
And golden treasures in her mines lie hid ; 
Yet one rich jewel she has seldom seen, 
The brilliant of inestimable truth, 
Beaming with rays of righteousness and peace, 
Set graceful in fair mercy's diadem 
By skill divine ; and worn with equal grace 
By him whose temples once were crown'd with 
thorns. 

Oh, may the smile of heaven propitious rest 
On those, whose hearts with injured Africa 
Feel sympathetic ! who lament those wrongs 
They can't redress. Peace to the noble breast 
Which glows with higher zeal, to see her shores 
Enrich'd with rivers of immortal bliss. 
By the pure gospel, whence salvation flows. 
But may all blessings in one centre meet 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCrf ON EARTH. 203 

To crown their heads, whose geii'roiis souls 

expand 
With strong desire, and labour with design, 
Bv ffraee divine assisted, to convev 
The joyful tidings of redemption there! 
Ye social <iand of heralds, who proclaim 
Near England's centre, the Redeemer's grace : 
Hail, few in number, but magnilicent 
In your benign designs ! Tho' small your pow'r, 
Not wanting in good-will, you cannot fail. 
Go on, and prosper, for success is sure 
To him who lifts tiie standard of the cross 
V/ith one design alone. Who wields the sword 
Of trutli divine, to smite tlie pow'r of sin ; 
And draws his bow with this fair mark in view* 
Glory to God — Salvation to mankind. 

Already some bright beams of blissfjil hope 
Reflect encouragement from Indian shores. 
And now with zeal, which fears no obstacles, 
And love, which grasps at the whole human 

race. 
Your eyes are turned to iifric's burning realms ; 
Your hearts are yearning o'er her captive sons. 
Fain would you free them from the chains of 

sin; 
Fain would you send them gospel liberty^ 



f 



204 SOCIAL religion; or, book viii. 

And teach the most enslav'd of all mankind 
The highest freedom in the universe. 
Our ejes have seen the men that pant to leave, 
For burning sands, their native much-iov'd 

shores. 
Because much more they love the souls of men: 
Our ears have heard the gospel from their lips. 
Yea, more, our hearts have felt the sacred bonds 
Of holy union to their heav'n-born souls. 
Go, then, ye champions of the King of kings, 
Leave your dear friends, and England. But the 

Friend 
Who loves you best, the Friend whom mo.?t you 

love, 
Confin'd within no limits, can attend. 
With his sweet presence, all your wat'ry path. 
His smiles w ill make the ship a floating heav'n ; 
His name, like a strong tow'r, will keep you safe 
From evVy dang'rous foe. For what can harm 
The men whom God preserves ? Oh, may he 

bring 
Your joyful feet to tread on thai free ground 
Which long was known a mart of slavery ;* 

* Free Town, at Sierra Leone ; where there is a Bap- 
tist church, consisting" of between fifty and sixty mem- 
bers, l^esides othc r Christiaji societies. 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH, 205 

And grant you there, with those that love his 

name, 
A happy meeting, and a useful stay ; 
Till his wise providence point out the steps 
Which lead you on to your more arduous work. 
Then may the Lord, who suffered on the cross 
To ransom sinners, fire your souls with zeal, 
And furnish you with wisdom and with might, 
To lift his banners where the hosts of hell 
Have long defended their infernal holds ; 
And make you valiant in his glorious cause, 
And crown your noble eftbrts with success! 

But mark the force with which example 

shines. 
Struck with the fitness of a work so good, 
Fir'd with the zeal with which that work is 

wrought, 
An host assembles — 'tis a glorious host ; 
From north to south, from west to east, thej 

come. 
And throng the gates of Zion. What a sight 
Has grac'd our city, and made London seem 
A new Jerusalem ! The Lord of hosts 
Is surely waging war with sin's domains, 
When thus he calls his holy armies forth^ 
S 



r 



206 SOCIAL religion; or, book VIII. 

And marshals them together. 'Tis the cause 
Of God and Christ, in which they all unite. 
The sacred sword they draw^ is truth divine 5 
The pow'r that helps them is omnipotence ; 
The end they seek is universal peace — 
Peace with the King supreme, and peace on 

earth, 
Built on the basis of paternal love. 
Oh, let us aid them in the glorious work ! 
'Tis not to form a party, but to spread 
The strong cementing energy of love 
Thro' the wide world, that these have join'd 

their pow'r. 
Wisdom has grac'd their counsels; and such 

joy 

x\s marked the glorious day of pentecost. 
Was felt in their assemblies : such in kind. 
Though in degree not equal. Sure the Lord 
Was then among us ! 'Twas the house of Godj 
The gate of heav*n to our adoring souls. 
May his approving smile, who rules on high, 
Shine on your eflforts, and in this good work 
Your hearts encourage ! May his Spirit rest 
On all your heav'n-illuminated minds, 
The spring of wisdom, and the source of 
strength ; 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH. 207. 

And may his wise and gracious providence 
Supply you with an host for war with sin. 
Our solemn meetings, when the heathen lands 
Excite our pity, and your grand designs 
Enlarge our hope, become more solemn still. 
We ask more boldly when we hear the voice^ 
Which spoke creation into motion first, 
Summons the angels of the churches round, 
And give them charge to spread the Saviour's 

reign, 
Wide as the sun extends his useful beams. 
With sacred awe we turn those pages o'er, 
Where ancient prophecy points out these days, 
And feel our hearts expand. ' It is the Lord !' 
Each glad disciple whispers to his friend : 
Do we not feel our hearts within us burn 
With something more than common fellowship ? 
* It is the Lord,' that by his Spirit moves 
The hearts of thousands ! Do not Zion's gates 
With praise resound ? While converts flock like 

doves. 
And crowd her windows, to escape the storm. 
Oh ! may the light of life diffuse its rays 
O'er all benig; ed nations round the globe, 
And love dissolve ail kindreds into one ! 
The breath of prayer shall till the gallant sails 



r 



20S SOCIAL RELIGION? OR, BOOK VIII. 

By love unfurPd, to bear your Missions out ; 
And they, tho' few, while fervent, are an host. 
Sufficient to alarm th' infernal pow'rs, 
AYhen they perceive what praying souls can do. 
The multitude of islands will be glad, 
When once they understand the Saviour's name^ 
To cast their idols to the moles and bats, 
And worship him alone, who died to save, 
And lives to make his great salvation known. 
The time is hast'ning when all shores shall ring 
With loud hosannas to the Lamb of God: 
All nations bend before him ; Christ alone 
Will be exalted. God will set his King 
On Zion's holy hill ; and all the world 
Shall flow to his dominions, and become 
The willing subjects of his righteous reign. 
Thus sounds the sacred harp of prophecy ; 
And who can hear it, but must feel desires 
Within his bosom, which no power can check — 
No bounds can circumscribe ? He comes ! He 

comes ! 
Big with anticipation ; each glad heart 
Sings to itself, and inwardly exults 
With blissful expectation. Ev'n the sound 
Of his triumphal chariot-wheels awakes 
inquuy into God's revealed will. 



BOOK VIII. THE CHURCH ON EARTH, 209 

He comes ! He comes ! The groans of Babylon^ 

The shouts of Zion, and the fervent prayers 

Of saints of every name in unity. 

Join as one voice; and ail proclaim^ ' He comes.' 

Soon will all e> es, with ecstacy, behold. 

In one exalted person manifest, 

A reigning Saviour, and a smiling God. 

Then for the morning of immortal day. 

When the bright Sun of Righteousness shall 

rise, 
And bless the nations with his sev'n-fold light; 
When love and joy, and holiness, shall crown 
Tlie fruitful seasons through a thousand years. 



FINIS. 



r 



A 
SELECTION 

FROM 

« WALWORTH HYMNS." 

BY JOSEPH SWAIN. 

HYMN I. 

Faith feeding on Redeeming Love. 

Saviour of Sinners, from thy death 
Our spirits draw their heav'nly breath; 
Tliy dying groans with life abound. 
And healing flows from ev'ry wound ! 

Thy sorrows are a fruitful tree. 
Whereon rich blesshigs grow for me : 
Thy spotless life a golden mine. 
Where all my brightest treasures shine. 

Out of thy fulness we receive 

The grace and faith by which we live j. 

Thy broken body is our food. 

The wine we drink is thy rich blood. 



r 



Thy righteousness is all our dress, 
In which, before thy Father's face, 
Perfect in beauty we appear, 
Without one spot to raise a fear. 

No holiness of life or thought 

We know, but what thy gi-ace has wrought ; 

And thy good Spuit makes us do 

Our heav'ni}^ Father's will below. 

Not unto us be glory, Lord, 

To thee, thy Spunt, and thy word ; 

Saivation is alone of gi*ace. 

And gi*ace alone shall have the praise 



HYMN II. 

Praise for Redemption. 

A RAISE your Redeemer, praise his name, 
Ye saints, who live upon his g.*ace ; 

Praise Him whose love remams the same 
Through ever}^ change of time and place, 
Cho. Praise i/e the Lord — the Saviour praise, 
Hosanna to t/ie God of grace. 

Praise Hix v\-ho opens merc\'s door 
To welcome every seeking soul ; 
Who gives salvation to the poor. 

And makes the wounded conscience whole. 
Cho. Praise ye tJie Lordy c^c. 



Praise HI^r who came from heav'n, to bring 
Glad tidings of salvation down; 

Praise Him, for you have cause to sing, 
Who hope for an immortal cro'v^n. 
Cho. Praise ye the Lord, &c. 

Praise him who lov'd you when you lay 
In bondage under Satan's pow'r ; 

Who d^-'d, your ransom price to pay. 

And spoil'd yotu* foes in that same hour. 
Cho. Praise ye the Lord, i>c. 

Praise Him who lov'd you on the cross, 

Pi-aise Hi3r who loves you on ins throne, 
Praise Him who turns to gain your loss. 

And makes your crosses prove your crown. 
Cho. Praise ye the Lord, iJc. 

Praise Him who lov'd you long before 
The wheels of time began to move ; 

Whose love, when time shall be no more. 
Will still be everlasting love, 
Cho. Praise ye the Lord, &c. 



HYMN in. 

The Flower. 
-L^OTE is the sweetest bud that blows. 

Its beaut}' never dies ; 
On earth among the saints it grows. 

And ripens in the skies. 



f' 



Piire, glowing', red, and spotless white. 

Its perfect colours are ; 
In Jesus all its sweets unite. 

And look divinely fair. 

The finest flow'r that ever blow'd 

Open'd on Calv'r\ 's tree. 
When Jesus' blood in rivers flow'd 

For love of worthless me ! 

Its deepest hue, its richest smell, 

No mortal sense can bear ; 
Nor can the tongue of angels tell 

How^ bright the colours are. 

Earth could not hold so rich a flow'r. 
Nor half its beauties shew; 

Nor could the world and Satan's pow'r 
Confine its sweets below. 

On Canaan's banks, supremely fair. 
This fiow'r of wonders blooms ; 

Transplanted to its ative air. 
And all the shores perfumes . 

But not to Canaan's shores confin'd. 
The seeds from whicli it blow 

Take root v* ithin the human mind. 
And scent the church below. 

And soon on yonder banks above 

Shall every blossom here 
Appear a full ripe fiow'r of love. 

Like him, tran^^pianted there.- 



5 

HYMN IV. 

•3 sudf^en Thought in a sweet Frame of Mind. 

JVIy soul, whene'er thou shall arrive 
On those bright hills where angels live, 
What object first will draw thine eyes ? 
And where wilt thou begin thy joys ? 

Methinks when I (releas'd from sin) 
My everlasting work begin, 
When on my new-fledg'd wings I rise 
And tread the shores beyond the skies, 

I'll run through ev'ry golden street. 

And ask each happy soul I meet, 

* Where is the Lord whose praise you sing J— 

Direct a stranger to the King.' 

I'll search the blissful mansions round. 
Nor rest till I my Lord have fomid. 
Till on his wounded side I gaze. 
And see my Saviour face to face. 

/ There w^ill I fix my wond'ring eyes ; 
There I'll begin eternal joys ; 
And look and love away my soul. 
While everlasting ages roll ! 



HYMN V. 

The Harmony of Creation and Redemption^ 

X HE heav'ns above our heads declare 
Thy gloiy, Loj.d, in letters fair; 



6 



With mai'ks of thine almighty pow'r 
Adorning" each revolving" hour. 

The sun, when he begins his race. 
The borders of thy works displays ; 
And, as his glories brighter siiine. 
More plainly shows tliy skill divine. 

Thy creatures' hearts with rapture bound. 
While he with splendid speed goes roimd ; 
And daily, as thy bounteous hand 
Sheds blessings down on ev'ry land. 

The moon, that from her azure throne 
By night diffuses light alone. 
Thy separating skill proclaims 
Where'er she sends her borrow'd beams. 

The distant stars, that through the night 
From far emit their twinkling light. 
Expand our views of thy domain, 
And tell how vast, how wide thy reign. 



END. 



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